BlackJacks Clinch Second Seed in East with Win Over Alliance

August 9, 2025
Alex Lough

In arguably their biggest game of the season so far, the entire Ottawa BlackJacks team stepped up to secure the victory and punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Semifinal.


Six Ottawa players scored in double digits as the BlackJacks rode a huge third quarter to a 98-92 win over the Montreal Alliance. The win, combined with the Scarborough Shooting Stars loss shortly after the game’s conclusion, solidified the BlackJacks as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.


They’ll now await the winner of Thursday’s matchup between the Alliance and the Shooting Stars as they host a playoff game at Centre Slush Puppie in Gatineau, Quebec.


Javonte Smart and Zane Waterman tied for the team lead in points with 19, and Isaih Moore had 17 points – including seven in Target Time – to go with 11 rebounds and five assists. Justin Jackson had 12 points and six rebounds, while Deng Adel and Tyrell Tate added 11 and 10 points, respectively.


“We knew Montreal was going to be a tough game again today. We always play them tough, they always play us tough,” BlackJacks head coach Dave DeAveiro said. “We knew we were in for a battle and the way the playoffs scenario kind of works out, it’s awkward, but we were just focused on playing our game, controlling our own destiny. Finishing second would be great, having the fans over in Gatineau joining our fans over here… We’re looking forward to that opportunity.”


In the second half of a home-and-home series, the familiar foes kept the game close for the majority of the first half. After a 13-0 Montreal run early was answered by an 18-6 run from Ottawa, the teams traded baskets for the first two quarters until the Alliance took a 49-47 lead into halftime.


Things took a drastic turn coming out of the break, as Ottawa controlled much of the third quarter with their size and athleticism. They held Montreal to just 5-of-16 shooting in the period and made 11-of-12 free throws as the Alliance struggled to defend them cleanly. The BlackJacks outscored the opposition 27-13 in the frame.


“I think they made free throws and we didn’t,” Alliance head coach Jermaine Small said of his team’s performance. “You look at the third quarter and we literally shot ourselves in the foot by turning over the ball. I think a big part of it was the free throw shooting. They did a good job of getting to the line in the third quarter. They got into the bonus really early, and they did a good job of making their free throws. Credit to them.”


Tavian Dunn-Martin led the Alliance with 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Brandon Porter had 19 points and 13 rebounds for the double-double, while Quincey Guerrier had 13 points and six rebounds. Tavis Smith added 14 points off the bench.


With the BlackJacks building their fourth quarter lead to as much as 11, the Alliance came back to cut it down to four during Target Time. With a number of Alliance fans making the trip to cheer on their team and the Ottawa faithful responding in kind, the atmosphere was electric as the end of the game drew near.


“I love the fans at TD. It’s been amazing,” Justin Jackson said of the local support. “Even when I was playing for Calgary and I would come back here, I would always say, ‘Ottawa has a great fanbase. I wonder what it would be like to play here.’ And now I’m actually here. It’s pretty fire. I love you guys, man. Continue to support us and we’re going to push this as far as we can.”


The game was the second standout performance in a row for Jackson, who had 21 points including the game-winning three when the teams last played on Wednesday. For the former NBA draft pick who has had injuries significantly impact his career, it’s encompassed his whole time with the BlackJacks organization, which includes playing for his old high school coach.


“It's been a dream come true for me, honestly. Especially with how the last few years of my career have been,” he reflected. “It feels amazing to be in a spot where I’m appreciated, I’m loved on and off the court… it makes basketball fun again. Just being around the guys, we got a bunch of children on our team so they always just bring the inner child out of me.”


The back-to-back wins give the BlackJacks their first winning record on the season at 12-11. The third straight loss drops the Alliance to 8-15 as they head into a matchup against the Scarborough Shooting Stars in what will be an early preview of their playoff matchup on Thursday.


“We just want to walk in healthy. We’ve been banged up, like most. Rosters are changing and it’s not about what you don’t have, it’s about what you have and making the most of it,” Small reiterated. “It’s all one game series and it’s all about making the most of it. Whatever happens Sunday happens. But Thursday everyone is 0-0 and we’ll see who the best team is.”


Box Score


https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2600673


Up next for both teams


The Ottawa BlackJacks finish up the regular season playing hosts to the league-leading Vancouver Bandits on August 10. That same day, the Montreal Alliance travel to Scarborough to face the Shooting Stars in a preview of their first-round playoff matchup.


Next CEBL action


All 10 teams will once again be in action on August 10, starting with the Montreal Alliance taking on the Scarborough Shooting Stars at 2 p.m. ET, streaming live on CEBL+ and TSN+. For the full 2025 CEBL schedule and up-to-date results, please visit cebl.ca/games.


- CEBL -

Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa annoncent le calendrier de la saison régulière 2026

February 26, 2026
Les BlackJacks d'Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui que l’équipe a conclu une entente avec l’ailier Justin Ndjock-Tadjoré en vue de la saison 2026. Il effectue un retour avec les BlackJacks pour une troisième campagne, après avoir été sélectionné par Ottawa lors des deux derniers repêchages de la CEBL. Il s’agira de sa première saison sous contrat standard, plutôt que sous contrat de joueur en développement. Originaire de Gatineau (Québec), Ndjock-Tadjoré dispute présentement sa première saison avec BK Ogre, dans la Estonian-Latvian Basketball League. Il occupe présentement le deuxième rang de l’équipe aux rebonds (7,8), aux blocs (0,8) et aux vols de ballon (0,8) par match, en plus de se classer quatrième pour les minutes jouées (27,9 par match) et quatrième au chapitre des points (13,2 par match). Lors de la saison 2025 de la CEBL, l’ailier de 6 pi 7 po a maintenu des moyennes de 4,3 points et 2,3 rebonds en 15 matchs de saison régulière. Il a notamment signé un sommet personnel dans la CEBL avec 19 points le 10 août contre Vancouver. « Annoncer Justin aujourd’hui représente un moment dont nous sommes très fiers comme organisation. Ça souligne notre engagement envers le développement des joueurs — prendre un talent local d’élite issu du niveau U SPORTS et l’aider à faire le saut vers le basketball professionnel », a déclaré le directeur général des BlackJacks d’Ottawa, James Derouin. « Après une solide première saison outremer, Justin revient à la maison en joueur plus expérimenté et polyvalent. Ses atouts physiques et son intensité sont exactement ce dont nous aurons besoin cet été, et nous avons hâte de le voir franchir une autre étape importante dans sa carrière chez nous. » Diplômé de l’Université d’Ottawa, il a aidé les Gee-Gees à remporter une médaille de bronze U SPORTS lors de chacune de ses deux saisons avec l’équipe. Il s’est joint au programme après un transfert de St. Bonaventure University (NCAA), où il a disputé 13 matchs en deux saisons avec les Bonnies. Ottawa lancera sa saison à The Arena à la Place TD, le mardi 12 mai à 19 h 30, face aux champions en titre de la Conférence de l’Ouest, le Calgary Surge. Des forfaits de billets flexibles et des expériences de groupe sont actuellement en vente en visitant theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/tickets , ou rendez-vous sur theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/season-seat-memberships pour vous joindre à nous lors de tous les matchs à domicile de la saison 2026. ### À propos des BlackJacks d'Ottawa Première franchise d'expansion de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), les BlackJacks d’Ottawa sont une équipe professionnelle masculine de basketball qui évolue à l'Aréna de la Place TD. Le club est engagé envers l’excellence tant sur le terrain qu’en dehors, et vise à inspirer la fierté communautaire, à encourager le développement de la relève et à offrir une expérience inégalée à ses partisans. Pour plus d'informations, visitez le site theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca .

BlackJacks Re-Sign University of Ottawa Standout Ndjock-Tadjoré

February 26, 2026
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the club has signed forward Justin Ndjock-Tadjoré ahead of the 2026 season. He returns to the BlackJacks for his third campaign with the club after previously being selected by Ottawa in each of the last two CEBL Drafts. This will be Ndjock-Tadjoré's first season under a standard player contract as opposed to a developmental contract. A native of Gatineau, Que., Ndjock-Tadjoré is currently participating in his first season for BK Ogre of the Estonian-Latvian Basketball League where he currently ranks second on the team in rebounds (7.8), blocks (0.8) and steals (0.8) per-game, fourth in minutes (27.9 mpg) and fourth in scoring (13.2 ppg) The 2025 CEBL season saw the 6'7" forward average 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 15 regular season games. The year was highlighted by a CEBL career-high 19 points on Aug. 10 vs. Vancouver. “Announcing Justin today is a proud moment for our program. It highlights the commitment to the development player process – taking elite local talent from the U SPORTS level and helping them bridge the gap to the professional game," said Ottawa BlackJacks general manager, James Derouin. “After finishing a strong first year overseas, Justin returns home as a more seasoned, versatile player. His physical tools and high motor are exactly what we need this summer and we're eager to see him take the next big step in his career with us.” A graduate of the University of Ottawa, he helped the Gee-Gees to a U SPORTS bronze medal in each of his two seasons with the team. He joined the club after transferring from St. Bonaventure University (NCAA) where he appeared 13 times for the Bonnies across two campaigns. Ottawa opens the season at The Arena at TD Place on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. against the defending Western Conference champion, Calgary Surge. Flexible ticket packages and group experiences are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets or visit theblackjacks.ca/season-seat-memberships to become a 2026 season seat member. ### About the Ottawa BlackJacks The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks are a professional men’s basketball team competing out of The Arena at TD Place. The club is committed to excellence on-and-off the court and aims to inspire community pride, foster grassroots development and deliver an unparalleled fan experience. For more information, visit theblackjacks.ca .

Sea Bears Sign Canadian Guard Walker

February 19, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announce the signing of Canadian guard David Walker. Walker most recently appeared for the Ottawa BlackJacks in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League season, where on Aug. 16 2025, in a playoff game, he had a standout performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and recording 3 steals in 25 minutes. Prior to his time in Ottawa, he suited up for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in 2025. Walker was also recognized as a finalist for the 2024 CEBL Developmental Player of the Year award. In addition, Walker was a finalist for the 2023 U SPORTS Player of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding performance at the university level and cementing his reputation as one of Canada’s top basketball talents. Over his CEBL career, playing for Brampton Honey Badgers, Scarborough Shooting Stars, and Ottawa BlackJacks, Walker has averaged 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. “David fits the identity we’re building. He’s a tough, physical Canadian guard with league experience who strengthens our Canadian depth,” said Lead Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager Alex Campbell. “He defends with purpose, plays hard, and gets downhill offensively. We believe he has tremendous upside, and I think Sea Bears Nation is going to appreciate the way he competes and works every single day.” Walker was originally selected 22nd overall in the 2024 CEBL Draft and began his professional career with the Brampton Honey Badgers, where he averaged 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16 games during the 2024 season. Before turning professional, Walker starred at Toronto Metropolitan University, averaging 16.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during the 2023–24 season. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Sea Bears,” said Walker. “Winnipeg has built something special, and I’m coming in ready to bring toughness, versatility, and a winning mindset every time I step on the floor.” ###

Mazereeuw promu Président et Chef de la Direction de la Ligue Elite Canadienne de Basketball

February 19, 2026
Le premier président de l'histoire de la ligue assume un rôle de leadership élargi alors que la ligue professionnelle de basketball du Canada amorce sa prochaine phase de croissance

Mazereeuw Promoted to President and CEO of Canadian Elite Basketball League

February 19, 2026
League’s first-ever President takes on expanded leadership role as Canada’s professional basketball league enters its next phase of growth

Brampton Native Djuricic Inks Deal with Honey Badgers

February 17, 2026
The four-year CEBL veteran and former Harvard standout joins Brampton after winning a championship with Scarborough in 2023

NBA-Experienced Cerda, Brampton Agree to Terms on Head Coaching Role

February 13, 2026
Cerda is currently an Assistant Coach in the Los Angeles Lakers organization.

Vancouver Bandits Make Impactful Community Visits in the Okanagan

February 12, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits, BC’s professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), are committed to making a positive impact through basketball and growing the game across British Columbia, and this dedication was highlighted this past week in Kelowna and the Okanagan area. Coming off the recent announcement of Kelowna HOOPFEST, a brand-new basketball festival featuring a CEBL neutral-site home game in partnership with the City of Kelowna, Bandits head coach Kyle Julius spent time at five Okanagan-area secondary schools and both of Kelowna’s post-secondary men’s basketball teams, as part of the Vancouver Bandits third-annual Bandits School Tour. Julius and Bandits staff visited Mount Boucherie Secondary School, Immaculata Regional High School, Okanagan Mission Secondary, Rutland Secondary School and Kelowna Secondary, as well as the men’s basketball teams at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College, providing dedicated and tailored practices along with motivational talks and training materials. Launched in 2023, the Bandits School Tour is supported by the Bandits Community Foundation, Preston Chevrolet and Envision Financial and offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes and volunteer coaches to learn directly from BC’s only professional basketball coach. “What stood out most during our visit was the impact basketball can have when it is rooted in mentorship and connection; it is clear how vibrant the basketball and business ecosystem is in the Okanagan,” said Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “We are thankful to the Okanagan and Kelowna communities for welcoming us so openly, and this is only the beginning. We are committed to being present and intentional in the lead-up to Kelowna HOOPFEST from June 5th to 7th.” In addition to the Bandits School Tour, Julius and members of Bandits staff had the opportunity to connect with various Okanagan business, media and community leaders, including attending the 51st annual Western Canada Tournament at Kelowna Secondary and a Kelowna Rockets hockey game. ###

Montréal Announces Return of Hometown Star Guerrier

February 11, 2026
Montréal native and team captain returns after a standout 2025 season with the Alliance

Montréal annonce le retour de la vedette locale Guerrier

February 11, 2026
Le Montréalais d'origine et capitaine de l'équipe fait son retour après une saison 2025 exceptionnelle avec l'Alliance.