The Montréal Alliance return home Sunday afternoon for their most significant test of the season, hosting the Eastern Conference-leading Niagara River Lions at Verdun Auditorium in a match celebrating Verdun’s 150th anniversary. The Alliance (6-6) trail the River Lions (8-5) by 1.5 games in the standings, making this clash crucial for playoff positioning and conference supremacy.

Niagara arrives in Montréal riding momentum from a convincing 93-82 victory over Winnipeg on Friday night, extending their lead atop the Eastern Conference. The River Lions’ balanced attack and championship pedigree present a formidable challenge for an Alliance squad seeking to establish themselves among the conference elite. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for both teams, as playoff positioning becomes increasingly critical in the season’s second half.

The storyline dominating Sunday’s contest centers on Ahmed Hill’s emotional return to Verdun Auditorium. The versatile guard spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons as a fan favourite with the Alliance before joining Niagara, and his homecoming adds significant intrigue to an already compelling matchup. Hill has been productive for the River Lions this season, averaging 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while providing the veteran leadership that helped guide Niagara to last season’s championship.

The Alliance’s recent 82-80 comeback victory over Saskatchewan demonstrated their resilience and depth, particularly with contributions from unexpected sources like Abdullah Shittu’s breakout performance. However, the team continues to navigate injury challenges, with key players potentially being game-time decisions for Sunday's crucial contest. The Alliance’s ability to field their strongest lineup could prove decisive against a championship-caliber opponent.

Offensively, Montréal has shown impressive balance throughout the season, led by Tavian Dunn-Martin’s 18.5 points and 6.8 assists per game. Brandon Porter has emerged as a reliable scoring threat since joining the team, averaging 14.7 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Quincy Guerrier provides versatility with 17.0 points and 6.5 rebounds. The Alliance’s superior three-point shooting (35.3% vs 29.8%) and ball movement (22.5 assists vs 17.8) could prove crucial advantages against Niagara’s defense.

Niagara counters with championship experience and a potent offensive attack led by Khalil Ahmad, who continues his elite production with 20.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. The 2022 CEBL MVP and reigning Finals MVP brings the type of clutch performance capability that defines championship teams. Nathan Cayo adds 13.0 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Eddie Ekiyor contributes 10.9 points and 5.3 rebounds to provide depth and versatility.

The River Lions will be without leading scorer Jahvon Blair (15.0 PPG), who remains unavailable due to overseas basketball obligations and Canada Basketball commitments. However, the return of veteran guard Ron Curry (8.4 points, 4.0 assists) provides additional playmaking and leadership for a team already equipped with championship-level talent and experience.

Historical context adds weight to Sunday’s encounter, as the Alliance seek their second-ever victory against Niagara after a 1-9 all-time record. The most recent meeting in Montréal between these teams occurred during the Eastern Conference Final at this same venue, where Ahmad’s 31 points and 10 rebounds led the River Lions to a 78-75 victory. Hill ironically led the Alliance in that game with 14 points and 8 rebounds, making his returns as an opponent particularly poignant.

The statistical comparison reveals two well-matched teams with contrasting strengths. The Alliance hold slight advantages in offensive efficiency (87.9 vs 86.5 points per game) and defensive consistency (86.5 vs 91.5 points allowed), while their superior three-point shooting and ball movement suggest potential tactical advantages. However, Niagara’s championship experience and proven ability to perform in crucial moments cannot be underestimated.

Sunday’s 4:00 PM tip-off at Verdun Auditorium represents an opportunity for the Alliance to announce themselves as legitimate championship contenders while breaking through against their historical nemesis. The special celebration of Verdun’s 150th anniversary, featuring Mayor Marie-Andrée Mauger for the ceremonial tip-off and Clay and Friends’ halftime performance, adds community significance to an already compelling basketball narrative.

For the Alliance to succeed, they must leverage their home-court advantage while executing the balanced offensive attack and improved defensive intensity that carried them through their recent comeback victory. Against a championship-tested opponent like Niagara, every possession and defensive stop becomes magnified in importance.

Victory would position the Alliance within striking distance of the conference lead while proving they belong among the Eastern Conference’s elite. A loss would create additional pressure in their pursuit of optimal playoff positioning. Either way, Sunday’s clash promises to be a defining moment in the Alliance 2025 season.

Game Information 

Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM ET

Location: Verdun Auditorium

Broadcast: CEBL+, TSN+, RDS.ca