BlackJacks Ride Strong Second Half to Win Over Honey Badgers

July 22, 2025
Alex Lough

After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Ottawa BlackJacks locked in on the defensive effort that has become their calling card and rode it to a 91–77 victory over the visiting Brampton Honey Badgers.


Javonte Smart led the way with 28 points and six assists, while Isaih Moore had 22 points and a regular-season franchise-record 18 rebounds for the BlackJacks.


“The first quarter, we really couldn’t find a flow defensively,” BlackJacks head coach Dave DeAveiro said after the game. “I think Shakur (Daniel) picking up two quick fouls… he gets our defense going. We usually put Shakur on their toughest offensive player, and not having him out there hurt us a little bit. We put him in for the second quarter, and I thought he did a really good job. We always have a chance to win the game when our defense is good.”


DeAveiro added: “The guy I really want to acknowledge tonight is Christian (Rohlehr). He's been sitting and waiting for his turn, and he did a really good job for us tonight. Six points and eight rebounds is a really good game for a guy that’s been sitting.”


The win brought the BlackJacks back to an even .500 record and moved them closer to clinching a playoff berth, which they can secure with either a win in their next game on Wednesday or a Brampton loss.


Things got off to a fast start for both teams in a chirpy first quarter that saw 16 free throws awarded on 11 committed fouls. Ottawa led by as much as eight, but Brampton responded to cut the lead to 31–30 by quarter’s end.


The game shifted in the second quarter, when the BlackJacks held the Honey Badgers to just 6-of-21 shooting from the field and only 13 points.


“Even just looking at the box score, I feel like we could have shot the ball a bit better, been better on the offensive glass,” Brampton head coach Sheldon Cassimy said. “They have multiple guys that get on the glass. I feel like we were getting the initial stop and then just giving up those second-chance points. Isaih Moore did a great job on the offensive glass and finished off the game with 22 and 18. Not much you can coach about that, other than having heart and closing out possessions.


“At times guys get deflated with the back and forth of what’s going on in the game that I don’t want to get in trouble for, but that’s how the game went for me.”


Koby McEwan and Quinndary Weatherspoon tied for the team lead with 17 points for the Honey Badgers, while David Muenkat added 14 points and eight rebounds, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range.


Brampton kept it close in the second quarter, but a 12–4 Ottawa run late in the frame gave the BlackJacks some breathing room. By the start of the second half, Ottawa came out with renewed energy and ensured the outcome was never in doubt.


The loss extended Brampton’s losing streak to seven games. Their last win came on June 29 against the Niagara River Lions.


“As soon as we got to the locker room, coach emphasized this was going to be a defensive half in order for us to pull away with the lead, and I think we really locked in on that in the second half,” Moore said.


As for his record-setting rebound performance, Moore downplayed the individual accomplishment, instead focusing on the team’s larger goals. Still, he shared the mindset that drives his consistency.


“Three things I tell myself religiously: I control my energy, my attitude, and my effort,” Moore said. “Those three things are my controllables. I can’t control missed shots and calls or stuff like that, so I really key in on those three things. I think my energy and my effort really help me get rebounds.”


“The win is the most important,” he continued. “Right now, we’re trying to push for the playoffs. With seeding, we’re playing every game like it’s a playoff game for the last two or three weeks of the season.”


“We’re in a tough stretch now. I think we have six games in 13 days,” DeAveiro said. “What’s really important here is rest. Our guys need to take care of their bodies and rest. This is the toughest stretch of the season coming up. We have to make sure our guys are fresh. We got something to play for. We’re trying to finish first or second so you get that bye and that home-court advantage. I think we’re all on the same page there, so that’s definitely on our minds.”


Box Score


https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2600663


Up next for both teams


The Ottawa BlackJacks head down the road to face the Montreal Alliance on their homecourt July 23. The Brampton Honey Badgers return home for the first time since July 11 to host the Scarborough Shooting Stars on July 25.


Next CEBL action


The Ottawa BlackJacks and Montreal Alliance meet in their second of four matchups this season on July 23, live on RDS, CEBL+ and TSN+. For the full 2025 CEBL schedule and up-to-date results, please visit cebl.ca/games.


- CEBL -

Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa nomment Justin Mazzulla entraîneur en chef

January 22, 2026
Les BlackJacks d'Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), ont annoncé aujourd’hui que le club a engagé Justin Mazzulla comme cinquième entraîneur en chef de l’histoire de la franchise. Il remplace David DeAveiro, dont le contrat n’a pas été renouvelé à la suite de la saison 2025. Mazzulla, originaire de Johnston, R.I., est actuellement le poste de coordinateur vidéo adjoint pour le Jazz de l'Utah dans la ligue NBA, après avoir débuté sa carrière professionnelle d’entraîneur en tant qu’entraîneur adjoint et coordinateur vidéo des Stars de Salt Lake City, l’affiliée de l'Utah en G League. « Justin Mazzulla représente exactement le standard d’excellence que nous voulons pour les BlackJacks d’Ottawa », a déclaré le directeur général des BlackJacks, James Derouin. « Il a été un élément clé de certaines des salles d’entraîneurs les plus innovantes de la NBA, et il apporte à notre organisation un plan directeur digne d’une équipe de championnat. Nous ne cherchons pas seulement à être compétitifs; nous voulons mener la ligue en matière d’innovation et d’intensité. Justin est l’architecte qui nous permettra d’y parvenir. » Âgé de 27 ans et 26 jours au moment de sa nomination, il devient le plus jeune entraîneur en chef de l’histoire de la CEBL, surpassant l’entraineur en chef des Niagara River Lions, Victor Raso, qui avait 28 ans lorsqu’il a été nommé à ce poste en 2019. « J’ai choisi Ottawa parce que les propriétaires, la direction sportive et les dirigeants ont cru en moi et étaient prêts à me donner une chance », a déclaré Mazzulla. « Intrépide, rapide et plaisant étaient les piliers qu’ils ont mis de l’avant, et cela me semblait une excellente occasion de me joindre à eux et de bâtir autour de la culture et de la communauté d’Ottawa. » Joueur de Division I à George Washington (2017-2019) et à l’Université du Vermont (2020-2022), frère de l’actuel entraîneur en chef des Celtics de Boston, Joe Mazzulla, il a rejoint l’Université du Rhode Island en juin 2022 en tant qu’assistant diplômé à l’issue de sa carrière de joueur. Il a auparavant travaillé comme entraîneur en chef pour Rise to the Top, où il a organisé des ligues de basketball Junior NBA pour les jeunes, ainsi que comme préparateur de la performance pour Ernie Duncan Hoops, deux structures basées dans le Vermont. Élu Joueur de l’Année Gatorade du Rhode Island en 2016, Mazzulla a contribué à mener le Bishop Hendricken High School à des championnats d’État consécutifs avant de commencer sa carrière universitaire avec les George Washington Colonials, où il a été nommé dans l’équipe All-Academic de l’Atlantic 10 lors de sa saison sophomore. Ottawa amorcera sa saison à l’Aréna de la TD Place le mardi 12 mai à 19 h 30 contre les 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. ###

Mazzulla Becomes CEBL’s Youngest Head Coach

January 22, 2026
Ottawa BlackJacks hire NBA-developed coach to lead franchise forward

Une nouvelle ère des séries éliminatoires débute avec le calendrier de la saison 2026 de la LECB

January 15, 2026
La huitième saison de la ligue, qui commencera le 9 mai, introduira des changements historiques : des séries éliminatoires entièrement disputées sur les marchés locaux et une finale de la LECB au meilleur de trois

New Playoff Era to Begin as CEBL Announces 2026 Season Schedule

January 15, 2026
Historic format changes introduce full in-market postseason and best-of-three CEBL Finals as league’s eighth season set to tip off May 9

Saskatchewan Announces Basketball Operations Update

January 13, 2026
The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has notified General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Barry Rawlyk that his contract will not be renewed following the conclusion of the 2025 season. During his seven seasons with the franchise, Barry brought a deep familiarity with Canadian basketball and long-standing relationships across the province that supported the club’s operations and player development. He also served as the Lead Assistant Coach during the franchise's 2019 Championship season. The organization wishes Barry and his family well as he moves on from the team and appreciates his willingness to support a smooth transition. The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has already begun recruitment for a new General Manager. A new era of basketball in Saskatoon will be unveiled soon. ### About the Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club (previously Saskatchewan Rattlers) tipped off their inaugural season at SaskTel Centre in May 2019 and went on to win the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship. The team are active members of the community, participating in countless events that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. The team has restored over 100 basketball nets across the city to make basketball more accessible to youth. For more information, visit www.therattlers.ca .

Cowan Joins CEBL as Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships

January 13, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Rob Cowan to the Canadian Elite Basketball League as Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships. Rob brings more than 20 years of experience across the Canadian sports industry. Most recently at Rugby Canada, he led national partnership sales, account management, and commercial strategy across the organization’s flagship programs and events. With a background spanning partnerships, data & analytics, live events, and digital marketing, Rob brings a well-rounded, modern perspective on how brands create value in sport today - and where the partnership landscape is heading next. Welcome to the CEBL, Rob!

Bilamu Agrees to Terms with Sea Bears

January 8, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with forward Nathan Bilamu for the upcoming season. Bilamu (6-5; born August 7, 2000 in Hamilton, ON) returns to Winnipeg after a productive 2025 season with the Sea Bears in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). In his rookie professional season with Winnipeg, he appeared in 20 games and averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, showing consistent effort and earning increased playing time as the season progressed. “We are excited to have Nate back as he builds on what he started here," said Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Raimbault. "Last summer he brought a tremendous commitment to the team, specifically a passion for winning that showed in his effort and willingness to do whatever it took to help this group.” Before joining Winnipeg, Bilamu enjoyed a standout university career at Lakehead University, where he emerged as a versatile two-way player. In his senior season (2024-25), Bilamu averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He was named an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) First-Team All-Star and a U-SPORTS Second-Team All-Canadian. Following his time in the CEBL, Bilamu continued his professional career overseas with Esgueira Basket in Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol. Through early 2025-26 international competition, he has been a key rotation player, averaging around 12.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while logging significant minutes. The season ticket member renewal deadline is January 15, 2026. Fans can renew or purchase new season tickets at https://www.seabears.ca/season-tickets-2026 . ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook .

Calgary Surge Promote Dylan Howe to Team President

December 16, 2025
One of the league’s most experienced operators steps into expanded role after guiding competitive success and community impact.

Vancouver Bandits and Envision Financial Launch Landmark Partnership

December 11, 2025
Partnership designed to elevate culture, community, and g  ame day experience

Three-Time MVP Xavier Moon Agrees to Terms with Sea Bears

December 11, 2025
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with point guard Xavier Moon for the 2026 season. Moon (6-2; Morehead State; born January 2, 1995, in Goodwater, AL) is a three-time Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Player of the Year and brings elite scoring, playmaking ability, and professional experience from international leagues, the CEBL, and the NBA. The Goodwater, Alabama native played two seasons at Northwest Florida State College, helping the program win the National Junior College Championship. He later transferred to Morehead State, where he played two seasons and averaged 16.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in his senior year, earning First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honours. "I believe adding Xavier to our organization brings tremendous value both on and off the court. He’s a proven winner and someone who has shown he can excel in this league and at the NBA level,” said Winnipeg Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He’s a true professional who understands the importance of our community and our fans, and we’re confident the impact he makes off the court will be just as significant as what he brings on it." Moon has spent time overseas, in North American pro leagues, and across multiple seasons in the CEBL. In 2021, he averaged a league-leading 23.1 points per game on his way to a third straight Player of the Year award and All-CEBL First Team recognition. That season included a 39-point performance, which stood as the CEBL single-game scoring record at the time. 2026 season tickets are now on sale starting at just $27 per game and can be purchased at www.seabears.ca/season-tickets-2026 . ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook .