Alliance Topple Reigning Champion River Lions to Improve Above .500

The Montreal Alliance defeated the reigning champion Niagara River Lions 96-86 on Friday night at the Verdun Auditorium, earning their first victory over Niagara in three seasons and improving to 7-6 on the year.

Montreal delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, receiving contributions from throughout the lineup while controlling the pace for much of the night. The Alliance also earned its first victory over the River Lions this season, defeating Niagara for the first time in three years.

Quincy Guerrier led the way with 19 points on 58 per cent shooting, while Lue Williams III added 15 points and Kevin Osawe turned in a perfect shooting night with 13 points on 5-for-5 from the field.

The Alliance's depth once again proved to be a difference-maker. Trent Johnson delivered one of his best performances of the season with 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Guillaume Boucard continued his outstanding stretch with 10 points off the bench. Anthony Nelson orchestrated the offense with seven assists as Montreal finished with 22 assists as a team.

Montreal's balanced attack featured six players scoring at least eight points, reflecting the chemistry and confidence that has continued to grow over recent weeks.

For Niagara, Curtis Hollis led all River Lions scorers with 24 points off the bench, while Nathan Cayo and Donald Carey Jr. each added 10 points. The Alliance's defensive effort was on full display, holding Khalil Ahmad to six points while forcing Niagara's starters to combine for just 32 points.

Full game statistics and the complete box score are available here: https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2798776

The Alliance will hit the road on Wednesday, July 1, for a 4:00 p.m. matchup against the Scarborough Shooting Stars at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. Scarborough will then make the return trip to Verdun Auditorium on Friday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. for the Alliance's Hip-Hop Retro Night, where students can purchase tickets starting at $20.

Tickets and ticket packages are available now at BASKETMTL.ca.