ESSEX REBELS D3 MEN vs NORTHAMPTONSHIRE TITANS | NBL DIVISION 3 | 1:00PM TIP-OFF

The day kicks off with an epic clash between the table-topping Essex Rebels D3 Men and the struggling Northamptonshire Titans. The Rebels are riding high with a flawless 6-0 record, displaying dominance in the NBL Division 3 league. On the other side, the Titans are in search of their first victory this season, currently sitting at 0-6. It is therefore poised for an interesting match-up – will the Rebels continue their unbeaten streak, or can the Titans pull off a major upset?

ESSEX REBELS WOMEN VS LEICESTER RIDERS | WBBL | 4:00PM TIP-OFF

The spotlight then shifts to the Women’s team as they face off against Leicester Riders at 4pm. The Rebels’ women enter the matchup with a solid 4-2 record, coming off a narrow loss to FIBA EuroCup side Caledonia Gladiators, losing 69-61.

Leicester Riders, positioned 4th in the league with a 5-4 record, will be seeking redemption since it marks the first time that Riders will return to the Essex Sport Arena since the unforgettable International Women’s Day Special game in March. In that historic matchup, the Rebels pulled off a thrilling upset in front of a record-breaking crowd, securing a dramatic 73-71 victory in the final moments of the game.

Furthermore, the game holds personal significance as Rebels’ Head Coach Ashley Cookson, faces his former team, where he once served as an assistant coach, adding an extra layer of drama to an already highly anticipated matchup.

OPPOSITION FOCUS

WHO ARE LEICESTER RIDERS?

Leicester Riders are a British professional basketball team based in Loughborough. In 2014, the Riders were founder members of the newly established Women’s British Basketball League and the programme became known as the Leicester Riders, in closer partnership with the club. The Riders won their first WBBL title in 2018, winning the first of three consecutive WBBL Trophy titles.

NEW RECRUITS

Riders lost some key players from their play-off finalist side last year with the departure of Kirsty Brown and Hannah Robb to rivals Caledonia Gladiators, as well as the loss of star player, Olivia Squires,  to Swedish side Alvik Basket, meaning Riders had key gaps to fill in their roster.

Headlining the list of acquisitions for Riders is Taylor O’Brien who joined from Florida State Seminoles. O’Brien’s remarkable collegiate career and skill set make her a key player to watch. Joining O’Brien is Shahd Abboud, an Israeli international who joined from Maccabi Ramat Gan in the Israeli Premier Division.

Riders have also brought back Katie Januszewska, as well as signing Sam Ashby from Hawks New Zealand, Elise Tweedie from Caledonia Pride, and Rayven Peeples from St Johns University.

FORM

Leicester Riders have had another strong start to the season with a 4-1 record, however, they are coming into the game off a defeat to league champions, London Lions, where they lost 77-61. Before this, Riders beat Nottingham Wildcats. Cardiff Met Archers, Oaklands Wolves, and Manchester Giants.

LAST TIME OUT

Rebels were victors in an unforgettable International Women’s Day Special game on Saturday 11 March, where the team pulled off a thrilling upset in front of a record-breaking WBBL crowd, securing a dramatic 73-71 victory in the final moments of the game, with Daniella Turner starring for the Rebels, contributing with 21 points.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Look out for Taylor O’Brien who joined Riders from Florida State Seminoles. Before Florida, Taylor spent four years at Bucknell University, leading the team in scoring for two straight seasons and earning a place on the All-Patriot League First team for 2021 and 2022.

O’Brien has been Rider’s standout player so far this season, averaging 19.6 points (3^rd in the entire league), 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game,

ESSEX REBELS D1 MEN VS LOUGHBOROUGH RIDERS | NBL DIVISION 1 | 6:30PM TIP-OFF

The grand finale of the tripleheader features the D1 Essex Reels Men, currently sitting at the summit of the NBL Division 1 table with a 7-1 record. Riding high on a five-game winning streak, Rebels will be looking to extend their dominance against the Loughborough Riders.

Rebels come into the game following a nail-biting overtime time win last Saturday to beat Nottingham Hoods on the road 119-111, with Luke Busumbru starring for the Rebels, contributing with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Rebels continued their winning streak on Sunday defeating local rivals Ipswich Basketball and securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the National Cup.

The Loughborough Riders, currently holding the 5th position in the NBL Division 1 table, come to the Essex Sport Arena off a convincing win against Barking Abbey last Saturday, with a final score of 82-67, so will be riding a wave of confidence in what should be an absolute must-watch game in the NBL Division 1 this weekend.

WHAT COACH NORFOLK HAS TO SAY:

“We are looking forward to playing back in front of the rebels crowd this weekend. We are coming off the back of 3 tough road trips and it’s nice to be back home. Loughborough are a tough outfit with solid pieces in their roster. The guys have been working on some details this week that should help give us the edge.“

OPPOSITION FOCUS

WHO ARE LOUGHBOROUGH RIDERS?

The Loughborough Riders are a professional basketball team based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England.

Loughborough University plays a significant role in the development and operation of the Riders. The team is closely linked to the university’s basketball program, and they often serve as a platform for talented players to progress in their basketball careers.

NEW RECRUITS

Loughborough Riders return this season with a familiar young and talented core, led by scoring sensation Elijah Bailey, who contributed with an impressive average of 20 points per game last season. They have made some new additions, with Torron Phillips, Seth Wylie, and Panos Karras, joining in the summer.

LAST TIME OUT

Rebels were beaten 75-69 when they last faced Loughborough Riders at the Essex Sport Arena on March 18^th 2023. Logan Rooney and Joe Bielak top scored for Loughborough with 14 points, whilst Owen Chose led the Rebels with 16 points and 5 rebounds.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Look out for Justin Hedley who currently leads the team in efficiency and has average 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game this season. Hedley has been with the Riders since joining in 2020 from German Pro B side, Oberhaching Tropics, and has been one of Riders most consistent performers in the NBL the past three seasons.

Mark your calendars for what should be an exciting day of basketball action and head to the Essex Sport Arena to witness the tripleheader gameday extravaganza unfold!

Tickets are still available on Eventbrite. Don’t miss out and secure your tickets now!