An early fixture for the Rebels to start 2026. The 4th January date meant that campus was deserted. We were expecting a crowd of maybe double figures.
It was impressive to see more than half of the main stand at the Sports Arena full. This shows that the Rebels have a strong local base, and not just amongst students.
After a slow start, the Rebs stretched to a 21-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. Some great passing was on show from the home team, cutting apart the Wildcats defence with precision.
Don’t look up now… Oh dear. We appear to be on the big video screen in the Sports Arena. “SMILE!” came the instruction from the Voice of the Rebs. I don’t smile. But I made an exception for this one occasion.
The HT score of 51-39 hinted at a big points tally being racked up for the Rebs. They didn’t allow Nottingham back into the game, and were ruthless at both ends of the court.
Nottingham never quite stretched what is a very decent team for the women this year. It was great to see smiles all round from the home bench as they carried a 75-88 lead into the final quarter.
The chase was on to top 100 points, Rebs fell short by four. But a FT score on the buzzer of 96-78 is a great way to start the new year.
Up the Rebs!
