Playoff Race Continues in Verdun as Alliance Host BlackJacks

Montreal, QC — The Montreal Alliance return to the Verdun Auditorium on Friday night for Rivalry Night against the Ottawa BlackJacks. Fans can experience an electric game-night atmosphere while enjoying $2 hot dogs until the end of the first quarter.

The Alliance enters Friday's matchup with an 8-12 record, sitting just one game behind the BlackJacks (9-11) in the Eastern Conference standings. Montreal is also just one win away from second place in the East, highlighting how tightly contested the playoff race remains heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The Alliance will look to bounce back after falling to the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Sea Bears. Despite the loss, Trent Johnson delivered his best performance since joining Montreal, finishing with 22 points and seven rebounds. Blondeau Tchoukuiegno has also continued to play a key role in the Alliance's offense, averaging 15.7 points and 5.0 assists per game this season. Montreal has also continued to rely on strong ball movement, averaging 21.4 assists per game.

The BlackJacks arrive in Montreal following a loss to the Scarborough Shooting Stars. Javonte Smart leads Ottawa offensively with averages of 23.3 points and 6.9 assists per game, while Matthew Cleveland paces the team with 7.5 rebounds per contest.

The Alliance and BlackJacks have already met three times this season, with Ottawa holding a 2-1 advantage in the season series. Montreal will look to even the season series in front of its home crowd while defending home court in what promises to be another electric night at the Verdun Auditorium.

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

Fans can secure their seats now at BASKETMTL.ca.

Game Information

Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Verdun Auditorium, Verdun, QC
Broadcast: RDS.ca, TSN 690, CBC Gem, Youtube, and CEBL+