Nottingham Hoods 79–77 Essex Rebels: Hoods Edge Thriller in Two-Point Classic

Nottingham Hoods survived a tense, physical battle against Essex Rebels, winning 79–77 in Commonwealth Basketball Games action on 11 October 2026. In a game that featured 12 lead changes and was tied on multiple occasions in the final quarter, the Hoods made just enough plays down the stretch to protect home advantage.

The two-point final margin tells the story of a contest that could have gone either way. Neither side led by more than nine points at any stage, and the closing minutes were played at a playoff intensity that underlined how much both teams wanted this result.

Match Overview

Nottingham opened the game with purpose, taking the first quarter 20–18 on the back of aggressive drives and a handful of second-chance points. Essex Rebels responded immediately, winning the second period 21–17 to take a two-point lead into halftime and quieten the home support.

The third quarter swung back in Nottingham's favour. A 22–19 period, built on improved perimeter shooting and a renewed commitment to defensive rebounding, restored a narrow lead. The fourth quarter then became a possession-by-possession grind, with both teams trading baskets before the Hoods finally got the stop they needed in the closing seconds.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

• First quarter: Nottingham Hoods 20–18 Essex Rebels
• Second quarter: Nottingham Hoods 17–21 Essex Rebels
• Third quarter: Nottingham Hoods 22–19 Essex Rebels
• Fourth quarter: Nottingham Hoods 20–19 Essex Rebels
• Final score: Nottingham Hoods 79–77 Essex Rebels

Key Moments

With the score level inside the final two minutes, the Hoods produced the game's decisive sequence: a contested mid-range jumper to take the lead, followed by a disciplined defensive possession that forced Essex into a difficult, well-defended attempt as the shot clock expired.

Essex had one last chance to tie or win, but the Hoods' rotations held firm and the final shot rimmed out. Earlier, a 6–0 Essex run midway through the fourth quarter had briefly put the Rebels in front, only for Nottingham to answer with consecutive baskets that reclaimed the momentum for good.

Tactical Story

The game was decided in the details. Nottingham's advantage came on the offensive glass, where their bigs repeatedly turned missed shots into second opportunities. That extra-possession edge proved crucial in a game decided by a single basket.

Essex Rebels were the more efficient team from the perimeter for long stretches, using ball screens to free their shooters and stretching Nottingham's defence. Their half-court execution was sharp, particularly in the second quarter, but a cold stretch late in the third and early in the fourth left them playing catch-up in crunch time.

Both teams took care of the ball reasonably well, and the low turnover count contributed to a clean, fast-flowing contest. Nottingham's ability to switch defensive assignments late in the game, however, disrupted Essex's preferred actions when it mattered most.

Standout Players

Nottingham Hoods leaned on their captain, who set the tone with composed decision-making in the fourth quarter and knocked down the biggest shot of the night. The frontcourt duo combined for a strong rebounding performance, while the bench provided a spark in the third quarter that shifted the game's momentum.

Essex Rebels were led by their shooting guard, whose shot-making kept them alive throughout and who finished as one of the game's leading scorers. Their point guard controlled tempo well against pressure, and their defensive effort in the second quarter showed just how disruptive the Rebels can be when they are locked in.

What It Means

Winning tight games is a habit, and Nottingham Hoods have now shown they can execute under pressure. A 79–77 win over a quality opponent adds real value to their Commonwealth Basketball Games standing and gives the squad belief heading into a demanding stretch of fixtures.

For Essex Rebels, the defeat is a narrow one that will sting, but the performance confirmed their competitive level. Rebounding and late-game execution will be the focus in training as they look to convert close contests into wins in the weeks ahead.