Rebels Rumble the Thunder
In a thrilling NBL Division One showdown, the Essex Rebels clashed with the Worthing Thunder in an intense battle that culminated in an 88-84 victory for the Rebels on the road.
From the opening tip-off, the Rebels asserted their dominance, setting the tone for the game as they surged ahead on the scoreboards with some solid outside shooting.
As the contest progressed into the second quarter, the Rebels continued to shine, entering halftime with a commanding 14-point lead. Their cohesive play and tenacious defense kept the Worthing at bay, showcasing the Rebels’ determination to secure the win.
However, the Thunder refused to be outdone, launching a comeback in the third quarter that forced the Rebels into an early timeout. Worthing stepped up their defensive pressure and tested the Rebels, disrupting their rhythm and narrowing the point differential.
Entering the final quarter, Worthing had successfully shifted the momentum in their favour, setting the stage for a gripping conclusion to the game. Despite the mounting pressure, Essex rallied together, clutch shots from Victor Olarerin and Luke Busumbru silenced the crowd and some pivotal steals late in the game allowed the Rebels to close out the game and secure a hard-fought victory.
The Rebels were led by Zain Poorman and Luke Busumbru who had 15 points and 5 boards each, whilst Victor Olarerin pitched in 14 points.
Essex now looks ahead to their next game where they host the Derby Trailblazers in a top of the table clash at the Essex Sport Arena for an Essential Workers Gameday Special. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
