Smart’s Record-Setting Night Lifts BlackJacks Over River Lions

August 1, 2025
Myles Dichter

The Ottawa BlackJacks entered Thursday’s game against the Niagara River Lions desperate for a win.


Javonte Smart made sure they got it.


Smart scored a season-high and franchise-record 44 points, including a miraculous game-winner, to send the BlackJacks past the River Lions 96-93 on Thursday at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ont.


Ottawa moved to 10-10 as it pursues second place in the East and a bye to the conference semifinals.


“I'm really proud of our guys, man. Shorthanded like that, and fighting through everything, the adversity we've been going through. And so to come out like that with a big win on the road against a really good team like this, I'm really proud of our group,” BlackJacks head coach Dave DeAveiro said.


Niagara, meanwhile, saw its franchise-record seven-game winning streak come to an end as it fell to 14-6 on the season.


In the early going, Ottawa looked like the team with way more to play for as it built a 17-point lead midway through the first quarter.


But the River Lions ended the frame on a 10-0 run, then slowly chipped away. After Niagara went up as many as nine points in the fourth, however, it was Ottawa’s turn to fight back.


The BlackJacks led 87-86 entering Target Score Time after River Lions guard Kimbal Mackenzie drew a three-point foul when Ottawa tried to initiate a whistle and the final stage of the game.


With the clock off, the teams traded scores until both were within three points at 93-all.


Then, Ottawa called a timeout, ostensibly to draw up some sort of play. Smart had other ideas.


“I told coach nah, I want the ball. It’s game time, I feel like winning,” he told sideline reporter Dhanung Bulsara after the game. “So that’s what I did.”


Smart received the ball following an inbounds play well beyond the arc on the left wing. He took one dribble toward River Lions defender Ron Curry, stepped back and launched a three-point heave from his left hip.


And in the 100th game of their existence, the BlackJacks picked up perhaps their most thrilling victory.


“Smart played a ridiculous game, made a ridiculous shot,” River Lions head coach Victor Raso said.


DeAveiro added that it was a confidence-boosting win for his troops.


“Anytime you [can] play in Niagara and be successful at Niagara, it's quite the accomplishment, so it just gives us more confidence that we can go on the road and be successful on the road. We have to go on the road in the playoffs, so we have to be ready,” DeAveiro said.


Smart, who entered the game as the league’s leading scorer with 27 points per game in his first season in the CEBL, now has the Ottawa single-game record — a mark held at 37 solely by teammate Deng Adel since 2022 before Smart tied it himself on July 1.


Now, it’s Smart’s all alone.


An easy choice as the league’s top newcomer, Smart, the 26-year-old from Baton Rouge, La., played 18 NBA games with the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers before coming to the CEBL this season.


The LSU product only joined Ottawa on June 20, but has quickly made his presence known, adding 6.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in addition to his prolific scoring.


On Thursday, Smart collected eight assists alongside his 44 points while shooting an efficient 13-for-19 from the field, including six-for-nine from beyond the arc.


“I feel good. I feel like everything I put up was going on, so that's the work I put in here [showing],” Smart said.


Big man Zane Waterman also pitched in with 20 points and five rebounds, while Tyrrel Tate contributed 12 points off the bench.


The game grew increasingly chippy as the minutes wore on, with both teams seemingly unhappy with the officiating. 


DeAveiro was ejected late in the third quarter after arguing a non-call against Waterman, who also picked up a technical foul on the play. Assistant Matt MacLean took over from DeAveiro on the bench.


“I thought there was a lot of fouls today where they weren't being called,” DeAveiro said. “I just had to protect my guys. I was frustrated. You know, I got to be a little bit more mature on that situation, but I was just frustrated.”


For Niagara, meanwhile, the game represented its first since clinching the No. 1 seed in the East — and a trip to Championship Weekend — thanks to the BlackJacks’ Tuesday win against the Scarborough Shooting Stars.


Yet after falling behind early, the River Lions still fought back.


“I mean, did we play with the championship calibre mindset? No, I thought we were a little loose and that's the task that we have in front of us,” head coach Victor Raso said. “That's really difficult right now is that we have to approach these games as if they are as important to us.”


Curry paced the River Lions with 23 points, including five triples, to go with four assists.


Leading scorer Khalil Ahmad was held relatively in check by a fierce BlackJacks defence, managing just three points in the first half and 12 for the game. Ahmad, who missed all eight of his three-point attempts on the rare off night, became a facilitator instead with seven assists.


Mackenzie added 14 points and six rebounds, while forward Nathan Cayo neared a double-double with 13 points and nine boards.


Ahmed Hill became the first player in league history with 1,500 regular-season points when he nailed a corner triple late in the first quarter. He finished the game with nine points, four assists and three rebounds.


Curry said his team must stay locked in through its final four games of the season.


“We just got to be hungry, man. They wanted it a little bit more today. We can't get complacent. We got to stay hungry,” Curry said.


The BlackJacks led 26-19 after the first quarter, but by halftime, Ottawa’s lead had shrunk to 44-42. Niagara then took control in the third quarter and claimed a 72-64 advantage heading into the fourth.


But Ottawa’s comeback was mounted midway through the final frame as Smart refused to be denied. Then, he put the exclamation point on the win in Target Score Time.


Now, the BlackJacks are in the driver’s seat to join Niagara in Winnipeg.


Box Score


https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2600667


Up Next


Ottawa returns home to host the Calgary Surge on Saturday, while Niagara begins a season-ending four-game road trip with a trip to the Scarborough Shooting Stars on Sunday.


Next CEBL Action


A triple-header Friday begins with an East battle between Brampton and Montreal before a pair of Western Conference matchups including Saskatchewan at Winnipeg and Vancouver at Edmonton. For the full 2025 CEBL schedule and up-to-date results, please visit cebl.ca/games.



- CEBL -

« Journée des signatures de la LECB » : un nouveau format introduit pour 2026

March 26, 2026
Les clubs de la LECB dévoileront le 8 avril 2026 les étudiants-athlètes de U SPORTS ou de l’ACSC qu’ils ont recrutés

"Canadian Elite Basketball League Signing Day" Format Introduced for 2026

March 26, 2026
CEBL clubs will reveal signed U SPORTS or CCAA student-athletes on April 8, 2026

Canadian Forward Muila Joins Niagara

March 26, 2026
The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of Canadian forward JD Muila. The 6’8” Ottawa, Ontario native is set to make his Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) debut this season after being selected in the 2024 CEBL Draft by the Ottawa BlackJacks, though international commitments did not allow him to play that year. He is currently competing with Nevezis Kedainai in Lithuania’s top division where he is averaging 9.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting over 56 percent from the field. “JD is ready to make a big impact in the CEBL, and we’re very excited to have him join the team,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie on the first new name announced to the 2026 roster. “He brings elite physicality, rebounding ability and defensive prowess, and as a highly mobile 5, he can contribute in many ways offensively. He continues to grow his game each year and we expect another big leap from him this summer.” Prior to his time in Lithuania, Muila put together an impressive run across Europe, including a breakout 2023–24 season with Froya Basket in Norway where he averaged 19.4 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. He also competed in the BNXT League with Den Helder Suns, posting a double-double average of 11.1 points and 11.9 rebounds. Muila graduated from Southern Illinois University where he played two seasons with the Salukis, averaging 3.1 points and 4.1 rebounds after redshirting due to injury. He originally began his collegiate career at Indian Hills Community College ( NJCAA), where he contributed to a dominant 57–10 record across two seasons, including a 30–3 campaign in 2019–20 where he averaged 6.5 points and a team-best 6.8 rebounds per game. That season, the team earned a No. 2 seed in the NJCAA Tournament before the competition was canceled. Muila was the first graduate from Canada Topflight Academy ( CTA), an elite preparatory program based out of Ottawa’s Notre Dame High School, to reach NCAA Division I, despite not starting basketball until the age of 16. During his time with CTA, he helped lead the program to back-to-back National Preparatory Association (NPA) national championships. With his combination of size, rebounding ability, and international experience, Muila adds depth and toughness to the River Lions frontcourt. “I’m extremely excited and blessed to have the opportunity to make my CEBL debut with the back to back CEBL champions this year.” said Muila “I look forward to seeing all of the dedicated fans very soon!” ### About the Niagara River Lions: The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.

Bourcier Returns for Another Season in Edmonton

March 25, 2026
The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday the signing of Kelowna, BC native Mason Bourcier. The 6’4 Guard joined the Stingers part way through the season following a 3 game stint with the Winnipeg Sea Bears. “I am very excited to return to the Stingers organization!" said Bourcier. “I had an amazing experience last summer and loved the fan base and community support here. I can’t wait to compete for another summer in Edmonton!” Bourcier is returning to the CEBL for his fifth season and first full season with the Stingers. He began his CEBL career as a developmental player with the Fraser Valley Bandits (now Vancouver Bandits) and has since played for the Newfoundland Growlers, Calgary Surge, Winnipeg Sea Bears and, most recently, the Edmonton Stingers. Last year, Bourcier appeared in 19 games, starting 18, and tallied 71 points, 50 rebounds, 28 assists and 15 steals. He recorded a season-high 14 points on Aug. 1 against the Vancouver Bandits. “Mason was a tremendous mid-season addition for us last summer,” said Stingers Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. “He anchored our defense and brought high-level work ethic and professionalism to our locker room. We are excited to see his game grow in his second year with the club, and I am confident Stingers fans will love his hard-nosed approach to the game.” Bourcier will join the Stingers at Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 9th to host the Winnipeg Sea Bears in their home opener. ### About the Edmonton Stingers The Edmonton Stingers play a 24-game season from May to August in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the top professional league in Canada with 10 teams in major markets from coast to coast. The Stingers joined the league in its inaugural season in 2019 and have twice been crowned CEBL Champions. The Stingers play in the 4,000 seat Edmonton Expo Centre. Our core value as an organization is to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in our community all year long.

Edmonton Signs Veteran Guard Bandoumel

March 20, 2026
The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday the signing of Quebec City, Quebec native Emmanuel Bandoumel. The 6’4” guard is currently competing overseas in Finland, averaging 22.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game. “I enjoyed playing in the CEBL my very first summer,” said Bandoumel. “I feel like this is a very competitive league which allows you to showcase your game. Edmonton has a great organization and coach so it was a great situation for me to go into. Jordan has a player/coach style which is perfect to evolve in this league where he also excelled.” Emmanuel is returning to the CEBL for his second season. He began his CEBL career with the Saskatchewan Rattlers (now the Saskatchewan Mamba), averaging 10.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. “Bringing Emmanuel to Edmonton was a priority for us this off-season.” said Stingers Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. “He is a high character individual who can impact the game on both ends of the court, and his energy and passion is infectious. We look forward to seeing him mesh with our group this summer!” Bandoumel will join the Stingers at Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 9th to host the Winnipeg Sea Bears in their home opener. Tickets are available for as low as $20 per seat and can be purchased online , by contacting the Stingers head office via email ( [email protected] ) or phone (1-87STINGERS). ### About the Edmonton Stingers The Edmonton Stingers play a 24-game season from May to August in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the top professional league in Canada with 10 teams in major markets from coast to coast. The Stingers joined the league in its inaugural season in 2019 and have twice been crowned CEBL Champions. The Stingers play in the 4,000 seat Edmonton Expo Centre. Our core value as an organization is to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in our community all year long.

Christian Rohlehr Revient dans la Capitale.

March 19, 2026
ont annoncé aujourd’hui avoir re-signé l’ailier fort/pivot Christian Rohlehr en vue de la saison 2026. Rohlehr effectue un retour dans la CEBL avec une solide réputation défensive, se classant parmi les meilleurs bloqueurs de tirs de la ligue depuis ses débuts en 2023. Il occupe présentement le 23e rang à égalité dans l’histoire de la CEBL avec une moyenne de 1,3 contre par match, tout en détenant le record de la franchise de l’Alliance de Montréal pour le pourcentage de tirs réussis (.696) parmi les joueurs ayant disputé plus d’un match. Au cours de la saison 2023-2024, Rohlehr a évolué avec Starwings Basket Regio Basel dans la LNA suisse, où il a dominé la ligue avec une moyenne de 2,7 contres par match, tout en ajoutant 8,3 rebonds de moyenne et 11 doubles-doubles en 29 rencontres. Il a également inscrit au moins 10 points dans 21 matchs, démontrant son impact des deux côtés du terrain. Rohlehr est ensuite retourné avec l’Montreal Alliance, où il a affiché des moyennes de 5,4 points et 2,9 rebonds en sept matchs, incluant une performance de 14 points et six rebonds contre Vancouver. Lors de la saison 2024-2025, il a poursuivi sa carrière à l’international avec Golden Eagle YLLI au Kosovo, disputant cinq matchs et maintenant des moyennes de 5,2 points et 4,8 rebonds par rencontre. Originaire de Montréal, au Québec, Rohlehr a amorcé sa carrière professionnelle en 2023 avec l’Alliance, participant à neuf matchs et se classant au sixième rang de la ligue pour les contres par match (1,3). Il a notamment établi des sommets personnels de neuf rebonds et trois contres dans un même match lors de sa saison recrue. Avant de faire le saut chez les professionnels, Rohlehr a évolué au niveau universitaire avec St. Francis Brooklyn, où il figurait parmi les meneurs de son équipe pour les contres. Il s’était auparavant illustré au Jefferson Community College, dominant sa conférence au chapitre des contres pendant deux saisons consécutives et réalisant plusieurs triples-doubles, dont une performance remarquable de 22 points, 13 rebonds et 10 contres lors de la saison 2017-2018. ###

Forward Rohlehr Re-Signs with Ottawa BlackJacks

March 19, 2026
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has re-signed forward/centre Christian Rohlehr for the 2026 season. Rohlehr returns to the CEBL with established defensive credentials, ranking among the league’s top shot blockers since entering the league in 2023. He currently sits tied for 23rd in CEBL history with 1.3 blocks per game while also holding the Montreal Alliance franchise record for field goal percentage (.696) among players with multiple appearances. During the 2023–24 professional season, Rohlehr played for Starwings Basket Regio Basel of the Swiss LNA, where he led the league in blocks per game (2.7) while averaging 8.3 rebounds and recording 11 double-doubles across 29 games. He also produced 21 double-digit scoring performances, highlighting his impact on both ends of the floor. Rohlehr later returned to the Montreal Alliance, where he averaged 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds across seven contests, including a season-high 14 points and six rebounds in a win over Vancouver. During the 2024–25 campaign, Rohlehr competed internationally with Golden Eagle YLLI in Kosovo, appearing in five games and averaging 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while continuing to develop his interior presence. A native of Montreal, Quebec, Rohlehr began his professional career in 2023 with the Alliance, appearing in nine games and ranking sixth in the league in blocks per game (1.3). He recorded a CEBL career-high nine rebounds and three blocks in a single contest during his rookie campaign. Prior to turning professional, Rohlehr played collegiately at St. Francis Brooklyn, where he ranked among the team leaders in blocks during both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Before transferring to St. Francis, Rohlehr starred at Jefferson Community College, where he led his conference in blocks in consecutive seasons and recorded multiple triple-doubles, including a standout 22-point, 13-rebound, 10-block performance during the 2017–18 campaign. ###

Yerba Madre Revealed as Official Yerba Mate Drink of the Canadian Elite Basketball League Through 2028

March 19, 2026
Three-year partnership connects a purpose-driven brand with Canada’s fastest-growing professional basketball league

Yerba Madre Nommée Boisson Officiel de Yerba Maté de la Ligue Élite Canadienne de Basketball Jusqu’en 2028

March 19, 2026
Un partenariat de trois ans unit une marque engagée à la ligue professionnelle de basketball connaissant la plus forte croissance au Canada

River Lions Add Lall for Third Season with Club

March 19, 2026
The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’6 Canadian forward T.J. Lall. The Cambridge, Ontario native returns to Niagara for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season after a one-year hiatus. The upcoming season will mark his third with the organization after helping the River Lions capture the 2024 championship. After his time with the River Lions, Lall spent the 2024-2025 season with ZZ Leiden of the BNXT League in the Netherlands , where he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 28 games. He spent the past year rehabbing a knee injury. “We are thrilled to have T.J. back for his third season with the River Lions. T.J. is a versatile wing who impacts winning in a multitude of ways.”said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie, “He is a shotmaker, great passer, and elite point of attack defender. He brings a business first attitude and will do whatever is required to win. He has a great I.Q. and feel for the game, he will be a big piece for us!” A proven contributor in the CEBL, Lall played a key role during the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the River Lions. In 2024, he averaged 9.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, continuing to establish himself as a reliable two-way presence. Originally selected first overall in the 2020 CEBL U SPORTS Draft by the Ottawa BlackJacks, Lall began his professional career following a decorated collegiate run. He played four seasons at Carleton University, winning four national championships, before transferring to Brock University for his final year. At Brock, Lall delivered a standout season earning First Team All-Canadian, OUA West First Team All-Star, and team MVP honours. Lall’s professional journey has taken him across the globe, having played in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Netherlands, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and contribute at a high level. “I’m looking forward to getting back to Niagara and getting to work with this group,” said Lall. “We’ve built something special here, and I’m excited to compete for another championship with the River Lions.” ### About the Niagara River Lions The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.