River Lions look to extend lead over East against visiting Alliance

June 21, 2024
Zulfi Sheikh

The Eastern Conference leading Niagara River Lions (5-3) welcome the Montréal Alliance (3-6) to the Meridian Centre on Friday night for the second of three regular season matchups.


Live coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. ET, available on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN+, and on the CEBL mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. 

 

It’s been less than a week since Niagara and Montreal last faced off and the squads have each gone 1-1 since that meeting. Coincidentally, both picked up wins at the expense of the defending champion Scarborough Shooting Stars.


The previous contest between the two teams saw the River Lions walk away with a commanding 94-80 victory thanks to dynamic guard play and effective defence. Niagara’s offence was taken care of by the duo of Jahvon Blair, who finished with 21 points with four made triples, and Omari Moore who recorded one of just five triple-doubles in CEBL history (16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists).


The import who’s coming off an impressive NBA G League season with the Raptors 905 also spearheaded the defensive front. Moore finished with five steals and three blocks, leading a River Lions squad that held the Alliance to 37 per cent from the field and 29 per cent from downtown.


Niagara did lose its next game following that victory but bounced back in a big way on Wednesday by snagging a win over the Shooting Stars. The 81-78 victory broke a tie between the squads, lifting the River Lions into first place in the Eastern Conference.


The narrow victory saw the season-debut of former league MVP Khalil Ahmad and the import did not disappoint. He finished with a team-high 18 points coming off the bench, none of those baskets more important than the final one, as Ahmad hit the game-winning three. A fitting return for the CEBL’s two-time, and reigning, Clutch Player of the Year.


On the other side, Montréal has looked sharper as of late as they’ve gone 2-2 ever since their 0-3 start. The Alliance, since taking on the River Lions, toppled the Shooting Stars but most recently lost to the Brampton Honey Badgers. The loss was a bit of a missed opportunity to separate Montréal from Brampton and Ottawa who sit at the bottom of the pack in the East. 


Instead, the Alliance are now just half a game ahead of the Honey Badgers clinging onto third seed.


The 85-79 loss on Wednesday saw Montréal’s offence sputter yet again. It’s been a theme of inconsistency this year for the Championship Weekend hosts as they’ve gone up-and-down from game to game, looking great offensively one night and struggling the next. And against Brampton it was the latter as Montréal finished the game shooting 39 per cent from the field.


What has remained consistent for the Alliance is the strong play of Chris Smith and Jordan Bowden. The duo lead Montréal in scoring this season, and against Brampton, accounted for over 50 per cent of the team’s point production as Smith put up 24 and Bowden finished with 16.


Key Matchup

In a game filled with plenty of dynamism in the backcourt, the matchup that might swing things the most is between two forwards. Keep an eye on what goes on between Montréal’s Smith and Niagara’s Nathan Cayo. 


Last time out, Smith finished with just nine points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field. But beyond the lack of offensive production, it was a lack of discipline defensively that really cost his team. The forward fouled out in just 23 minutes of action, taking away one of the Alliance’s best scorers and rebounders.


Throughout the season, Smith has shown a tendency to rack up avoidable fouls. Yet when he remains disciplined on that end, like he has the past two games, his impact is undeniable. Evidenced by back-to-back 24-point performances.


Meanwhile, if Cayo can force the issue and get Smith into foul trouble again, it could lead to even more success for Niagara. The forward finished with a modest, yet impactful 15 points and three rebounds against his former squad in their previous face-off.



- CEBL –



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, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

Canadian Elite Basketball League Re-Introduces Saskatoon Mamba Franchise

February 4, 2026
One of the league’s original franchises gets a bold new brand identity, new home venue, and new ownership group.

BlackJacks Team Up with Bell Let's Talk for Second School Day Game

February 4, 2026
Students from across the Capital Region set to fill the stands at TD Place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 10:30am.

Les BlackJacks s’associent avec Bell pour la cause pour leur deuxième match scolaire

February 4, 2026
Des élèves de toute la région de la capitale sont attendus pour remplir les gradins au TD Place le mercredi 6 mai 2026 à 10 h 30. 

Winnipeg's Akot Returns to Sea Bears

February 3, 2026
The Winnipeg product continues his hometown journey with a return for the 2026 CEBL season

Vancouver Partners with City of Kelowna to Host Neutral-Site Home Game

February 3, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits and the City of Kelowna announced today that the club will host its first neutral-site home game in franchise history when it faces Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club on Saturday, June 6, with tip-off set for 6:00 p.m. PT at Prospera Place in Kelowna. This Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) matchup will serve as the marquee event of Kelowna HOOPFEST, a new basketball festival presented in partnership with the City of Kelowna designed to celebrate basketball at every level. Kelowna HOOPFEST will feature the Vancouver Bandits vs. Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club, a youth 5x5 tournament, a coaching clinic, and additional programming to be announced. “This is a historic moment for our club and for professional basketball in British Columbia,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “We are bringing the same incredible energy our Bandits fans get at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. Fans can expect fast-paced, high-energy basketball paired with an electric game-day atmosphere, and a fan-first experience that will bring communities together inside and outside the arena. Bringing our first neutral-site home game to Kelowna as part of Kelowna HOOPFEST is about growing the game and connecting with new communities.” Kelowna HOOPFEST reflects the City of Kelowna’s continued investment in hosting major sporting events that strengthen connection, inspire youth participation, and drive economic impact. “Kelowna is excited to host the Vancouver Bandits and Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club at Prospera Place,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “Kelowna continues to build its reputation as a premier event-hosting city, and we are proud to welcome the Canadian Elite Basketball League to our community. The first-ever Kelowna HOOPFEST and surrounding events will bring people to our city, support local businesses, and provide a boost to our local economy.” The multi-day event represents an important step in expanding the reach of both professional basketball and the CEBL across Canada. “Bringing high-energy basketball from some of Canada’s most dynamic players into our communities across the country is what defines our league,” said CEBL President Tyler Mazereeuw. “The Vancouver Bandits will be turning Kelowna into a multi-day Canadian Elite Basketball League experience, giving residents of Kelowna a firsthand look at the energy and passion that is driving our rapidly growing fanbase from coast to coast.” Tickets for Vancouver Bandits vs. Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club at Kelowna HOOPFEST are on sale now. Additional details surrounding Kelowna HOOPFEST programming will be announced in the coming weeks. More information and tickets are available at thebandits.ca. ### About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.

Les Blackjacks d'Ottawa Re-signent Justin Jackson

February 3, 2026
L’ailier canadien revient dans la capitale nationale pour sa cinquième saison dans la LECB.

Ottawa Re-Signs Veteran Jackson

February 3, 2026
The Canadian forward returns for his fifth CEBL season.

Le Montréalais Barthelemy se joint à l’Alliance de Montréal

February 2, 2026
L'Alliance de Montréal vient de réaliser une signature majeure pour la franchise, annonçant aujourd’hui que le meneur dynamique Keeshawn Barthelemy, natif de Montréal, rejoindra l'équipe pour la saison 2026 de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB). Fort d’une expérience NCAA, internationale et professionnelle, Barthelemy revient dans sa ville natale pour entamer un nouveau chapitre de sa carrière. « Keeshawn est un joueur de grande qualité humaine, qui apporte calme, compétitivité et une excellente lecture du jeu », a déclaré Joel Anthony, directeur général et copropriétaire de l’Alliance. « Il a évolué à un très haut niveau, il a continué de progresser comme professionnel, et le fait d’accueillir un joueur montréalais de retour à la maison avec cette expérience est très significatif pour notre organisation. Nous croyons qu’il correspond parfaitement à ce que nous construisons. » Le meneur de 6 pi 1 po et 180 livres arrive à Montréal après un passage remarqué avec Proteas EKA AEL, dans la Division A chypriote, lors de la saison 2025-2026. En 10 matchs professionnels, Barthelemy a maintenu des moyennes de 13,8 points, 3,0 passes décisives, 2,8 rebonds et 1,1 interception par rencontre, se classant au troisième rang de son équipe pour les points marqués, tout en assumant un rôle clé comme meneur de jeu et en offrant une contribution constante des deux côtés du terrain. Son impact s’est fait sentir tout au long de la saison, notamment grâce à plusieurs performances à deux chiffres, dont une sortie de 27 points contre Morphou. Âgé de 25 ans, Barthelemy a connu un parcours universitaire remarquable dans la NCAA, amorçant sa carrière à l’Université du Colorado avant de la conclure à l’Université de l’Oregon. En cinq saisons, il a disputé 140 matchs, obtenant plusieurs départs et s’imposant comme un marqueur fiable et un meneur capable d'orchestrer l'attaque. Lors de sa dernière saison universitaire à Oregon (2024-2025), Barthelemy a inscrit 10,0 points par match, tout en maintenant un taux de réussite de 41,4 % derrière l’arc. Son efficacité offensive et aux lancers francs le classaient parmi les meilleurs de sa conférence. Barthelemy apporte également une précieuse expérience internationale, ayant représenté Équipe Canada sur plusieurs scènes, notamment lors de la Coupe du monde FIBA U17 en 2018 ainsi qu’au tournoi Global Jam en 2022. « Revenir à Montréal pour jouer au niveau professionnel, c’est quelque chose dont j’ai toujours rêvé », a confié Barthelemy. « C’est ici que tout a commencé pour moi, et pouvoir porter le chandail de l’Alliance devant ma famille, mes amis et les partisans, c’est vraiment spécial. J’ai très hâte à la nouvelle saison, à ce que l’équipe est en train de bâtir, et je suis prêt à me mettre au travail. » Cette signature représente un moment marquant pour l’Alliance, qui ramène à la maison un joueur montréalais dont le parcours l’a mené des gymnases locaux à la NCAA, puis au basketball professionnel à l’étranger. Tout au long de sa carrière, Barthelemy est demeuré profondément lié à la ville qui l’a formé, représentant fièrement le Québec et le Canada sur les scènes nationale et internationale. Son retour renforce l’engagement de l’Alliance à bâtir une équipe qui reflète à la fois le talent et l’identité de Montréal, alors que l’organisation poursuit sa progression en vue de la saison 2026. La prochaine saison comptera 12 matchs à domicile pour l’Alliance à l'Auditorium de Verdun, en plus d’un nouveau format de séries éliminatoires à l’échelle de la ligue, qui culminera avec une finale de la LECB deux de trois. L’Alliance disputera son match d’ouverture à domicile le 15 mai, face aux Shooting Stars de Scarborough. Pour plus d’information sur les forfaits de billets disponibles, visitez BASKETMTL.ca. ###

Montreal’s Barthelemy Joins Hometown Alliance

February 2, 2026
The Montréal Alliance has made a key signing for the franchise, announcing today that dynamic guard Keeshawn Barthelemy, a Montréal native with NCAA, international, and professional experience, has signed with the team for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. “Keeshawn is a high-character player who brings poise, competitiveness, and a strong feel for the game,” said Joel Anthony, General Manager and co-owner of the Alliance. “He’s played at a high level, he’s continued to grow as a professional, and having a Montreal-born player return home with that experience means a lot to this organization. We believe he’ll be a great fit for what we’re building.” The 6'1", 180-pound guard brings professional experience after most recently competing with Proteas EKA AEL in the Cyprus Division A, where he made an immediate impact during the 2025–26 season. In 10 professional games, he averaged 13.8 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, ranking third on the team in scoring while serving as a primary ball handler and reliable two-way contributor. His impact was evident throughout the season, scoring in double figures on multiple occasions, highlighted by a 27-point performance against Morphou. The 25-year-old guard built an impressive collegiate career in the NCAA, beginning at the University of Colorado before finishing at the University of Oregon. Across five seasons, he appeared in 140 games, earning multiple starting roles and developing into a consistent perimeter scorer and playmaker. In his final collegiate season at Oregon (2024–25), Barthelemy averaged 10.0 points per game while shooting 41.4% from three-point range, ranking among the conference leaders in efficiency and free throw percentage. Barthelemy also brings valuable international experience, having represented Team Canada on multiple occasions, including at the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2022 Global Jam Tournament. “Coming back to Montreal to play professionally is something I’ve dreamed about,” said Barthelemy. “This city is where everything started for me, and to put on an Alliance jersey in front of my family, friends, and the fans is really special. I’m excited for the new season, excited for what this team is building, and ready to get to work.” This signing marks a significant milestone for the Alliance, bringing home a Montréal native whose journey has taken him from local gyms to the NCAA and the professional ranks overseas. Throughout his career, Barthelemy has remained connected to the city that shaped him, proudly representing Québec and Canada on the national and international stage. His return reinforces the Alliance's commitment to building a team that reflects both the talent and the identity of Montréal as the organization builds toward the 2026 season. The upcoming season will include 12 home contests for the Alliance at the Verdun Auditorium and a new league-wide playoff format that culminates in a best-of-three CEBL Final. The Alliance will play its home opener on May 15 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. For more information on available ticket packages, visit BASKETMTL.ca. ###

Oduro Returns to Brampton for a Fifth Season with the Honey Badgers

February 2, 2026
Prince Oduro returns for his fifth season as the Honey Badgers’ all-time leader in games, rebounds and blocks.