River Lions look to clinch playoff berth against Alliance

July 11, 2024
Kyle Ramnarine

Win and they’re in.


The Niagara River Lions (10-5) will look to clinch a playoff berth when they host the Montreal Alliance (4-10) on Thursday night.


The game tips off at 7 p.m. ET at Meridian Centre, with live coverage available on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN+, and on the CEBL mobile app available for iOS and Android devices.


The River Lions, winners of three in a row, are coming off a dominant 98-77 win against the Scarborough Shooting Stars on Tuesday.


After a tightly contested first quarter, Niagara was able to turn up the heat with a 32-point second frame in which they built a 15-point lead. That lead proved insurmountable thanks in large part to their overall defensive effort that held the Shooting Stars to 26 per cent shooting from three and 36 per cent from the field.


Khalil Ahmad led the way for Niagara with 25 points, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks in the win.


The Alliance are looking to keep their momentum going after an 80-73 win against the Sea Bears last Friday.


The game came down to the wire in Target Score Time and it was the heroics of guard Jordan Bowden’s game-winning layup that propelled them to victory. Ahmed Hill had a fantastic game with 31 points, two rebounds, and two steals.


The Alliance were able to capitalize on all of the Sea Bears' mistakes, outscoring them 30-13 on points from turnovers.


Player Spotlight

Hill has been rolling this season for the Alliance. The forward is currently averaging 17.3 points per game, 2.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals.


Throughout his career, Hill has proven himself to be a reliable scoring option and his play in 2024 is no different. He can score from beyond the arc, the mid-range, and inside the paint. He’s also no stranger to creating offence for others.


2024 Season Series

Wednesday marks the third and final regular season matchup between the two clubs. The River Lions won both previous games, including a 94-80 win in Montreal on June 13 and surviving a 97-95 decision at home on June 21.


About the CEBL

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 10 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSNTSN+RDSGame+Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on InstagramTwitterTikTokLinkedInFacebook & YouTube.

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.” ###
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