Huge Rivalry Night Crowd Fuels Alliance Victory Over Ottawa

Backed by an electric crowd of 3,017 fans at the Verdun Auditorium, the Montreal Alliance took another important step toward an Eastern Conference playoff berth on Friday night, defeating the Ottawa BlackJacks 96-85 in front of one of the best home atmospheres of the season. The victory improves Montreal to 9-12 on the season and keeps the Alliance firmly in the hunt as the race for an Eastern Conference playoff berth enters its final stretch.

After trailing by one at halftime, Montreal took control in the third quarter, outscoring Ottawa 26-13 before maintaining its advantage the rest of the way. The Alliance finished the night shooting 51.6 percent from the field while recording 26 assists on 32 made field goals.

Blondeau Tchoukuiegno led the way with 23 points and a game-high nine assists, while Kevin Osawe recorded a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting night. Lue Williams III provided a spark off the bench with 11 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting performance, including 2-for-2 from three-point range.

Prince Oduro also contributed nine points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. With his second block of the night, Oduro became the CEBL's all-time leader in blocked shots (regular season and playoffs combined) with the 95th block of his career.

Ottawa was paced by Isaih Moore's 30 points, while Javonte Smart added 26.

The Alliance will look to carry the momentum into Tuesday night's Fan Appreciation Game against the Vancouver Bandits as the playoff race enters its final stretch. Fans can take advantage of the Alliance's 3+ME promotion by purchasing three tickets and receiving a fourth ticket free.

Complete game statistics can be found here: https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2798818

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at the Verdun Auditorium.

Fans can secure their seats now at BASKETMTL.ca.