LIVE STREAM: Essex Rebels II v Barnet Bulldogs – D3 Playoff Final (1pm)

Watch live from 1pm as Essex Rebels II and Barnet Bulldogs face off in the NBL Division Three playoff final at the NBPC in Manchester.

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Both teams bring a winning pedigree with them to the NBPC, with Essex sporting a perfect 18-0 as East conference winners, whilst Barnet went 19-1 across a strong South conference schedule to beat second-place Oxford Hoops by six points.

The Rebels points difference of 540 (+30ppg) and the Bulldogs’ 592 (+29.6PPG) both indicate how strong these teams have been this year; form they both carried into the post-season.

The East champs saw off North runners up and #16 seeds Tees Valley Mohawks, 101-89, before a 69-57 victory over #9 Nottingham Trent Hoods.

Those victories set up a clash with #5 Loughborough Riders II and thanks to a stunning 42 points from Jordan Ashley, the Rebels won the competitive contest, 77-71.

Ashley’s quality has shone through all season long, making him a logical pick for the East’s Player of the Year award (POTY), with Essex coach Ryan Maiden also earning recognition for the part he played in a perfect regular season.

Barnet have been every bit as solid, however, making good on their #2 seed to march all the way to Manchester.

They were pushed hard early on in the the playoffs, edging past Plymouth Marjon Patriots 109-102.

Then the Londoners managed to pick themselves up, stringing together solid outings to beat #7 East London Phoenix 96-80 and then #3 Liverpool 97-78 to stamp their ticket to the final.

Player/Coach Chuck Duru was selected as the South conference Coach of the Year, with Conor O’Reilly earning POTY honours for the Bulldogs.

As the top two teams in D3 this year, this contest should provide a fitting end to this season’s campaign.

The Bulldogs have scored 90 points or more in 16 games this season, showing they’re a team who know how to get it done and have the quality to hurt Essex if they can get into their rhythm.

Essex are no slouches though, passing that 90-point mark 12 times themselves, and with Ashley at their disposal, he could be a pivotal for them this weekend.

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