Europe Cup - Rebels go down in French thriller

Coca-Cola Rhondda 70 75 Challes Les Eaux 25 – 14 44 – 45 58 - 65

Coca-Cola Rhondda Rebels very nearly caused upset in their latest European Game when they narrowly went down 70 – 75 to Challes Les Eaux.

Both teams served up a an entertaining clash which saw the lead change several times and with the result in doubt well into the final minutes of the game the Rebels will feel it was one game that got away from them.

A good start in any game is always useful and The valley outfit did not disappoint with an exceptional start that allowed them to control the first Quarter. Martina Gandzalova and Kirby Copeland scoring at regular interval s which allowed to build up a sizeable lead and after 10 minutes the Rebels lead 25 – 14.

The second quarter saw the visitors respond as if they had allowed the Rebels to increase the lead it would have been a real uphill task, but respond they did in true French fashion and with the help of Laina Badiane eventually dragged themselves back into the game and even snatched a 1 point lead at 44 – 45 lead at the half time break.

The start of the second half saw the teams trading baskets for while with Copeland and Congreaves making important baskets to keep in touch, however but Challes seized some control going out to a seven point lead 65 – 58 lead going into the final 10 minutes.
If Challes thought the Rebels were going to lay down a die, then they were mistaken as immediately the Rebels clawed their way back to make in a tense finale.
Great moves from Copeland, Brown and Gandzalova ensured The Rebels stayed in contention and went into the final 3 minutes trailing by just 70 – 73. But then agonisingly as they contained the visitors defensively, the Rebels could not convert a number of great opportunities and it was left to the visitors to secure the win with 19 seconds remaining
Top Scorers for the Rebels were Martina Gandzalova with 24 point and Kirby Copeland 18. LaNedra Brown also contributed well with a double -double with 10 points and 10 rebounds
General Manager Andrew Tynan says “ I thought we were great and showed great character, Naturally we were all disappointed especially coming so close, however we have to take all the positives out of the game and look ahead as games are going to come thick and fast of the next 6 weeks.
The Rebels played Solent Suns on Saturday and in a lack lustre performance they won 81 – 52, LaNedra Brown top scored with 21 points with Gandzalova netting 20 and now face a daunting trip to Spain to take on Hondribbia Irun who finished third in one of the top leagues in Europe
This is an extremely bust time for the Rebels as they must return for another home game on Saturday where they take on London Heathrow Acers at the Rhondda Fach Sports Centre Tip off 6:30.

Photos Kirby Copeland and LaNedra Brown

Andrea Congreaves and Captain Sally Kaznica in Action