Rebels victorious against London Lions
The Essex Rebels ran out 86-66 victors in the weekend’s game against the London Lions at the Essex Sport Arena.
After the result, the Rebels have moved four points clear of the Newcastle Eagles in fifth, and only two points behind the Oaklands Wolves in third.
A quick start to the game saw the Rebels snatch an early lead, with Paige Meyer, Quinesha Lockett and Claire Paxton running the home side’s offence. A 10-point scoring run put the Rebels firmly in control of the game. Two three-pointers from Annika Shah were not enough to overcome the deficit, as the Rebels took a 29-16 lead into the second quarter.
The Lions started well after the break, as Shah converted twice from the free-throw line before Jamila Thompson got a lay-up shortly after. A three-pointer from Maria Blazejewski settled the Rebels’ nerves, before a seven-point scoring run helped the home side protect their advantage and take a 47-30 lead into halftime.
After the break, the Rebels kept their foot on the gas, with Paige Meyer and Natalie Chou getting in on the scoring action. The Lions continued to persevere in attempting to stage a comeback, with Monique Esbrand leading the charge with eight points in the quarter. Paige Meyer then converted twice from the free-throw line with under a minute to go to, making the score 58-45 before the final quarter.
A professional display from the Rebels allowed them to see out the fourth quarter, with Rhema Ogele stepping in to help control the final ten minutes. The centre got a three-pointer early in the quarter to put her side further in front, as well as tallying up five rebounds.
The Lions put together a nine-point scoring run, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit, allowing the Rebels to see out an 86-66 victory.
The Rebels will return to Super League Basketball action on the 12th of April, where they take on the Leicester Riders in an effort to keep pushing towards the summit of the table. Tickets are available now, so be sure to come along and support the team on another afternoon of exciting basketball.
TOP PERFORMERS
Essex Rebels
- Quinesha Lockett – 18 points – 4 rebounds – 3 assists
- Natalie Chou – 16 points – 5 rebounds – 5 assists
- Paige Meyer – 14 points – 9 assists – 7 rebounds
London Lions
- Mya Proctor – 18 points – 8 rebounds – 3 assists
- Annika Shah – 15 points – 1 rebound – 6 assists
- Monique Esbrand – 12 points – 4 rebounds – 1 assist
By Nicholas Melton
