The Montréal Alliance welcome the Scarborough Shooting Stars to Verdun Auditorium on Sunday afternoon in an important Eastern Conference battle with significant playoff implications. With both teams controlling their own destiny and multiple scenarios in play, Sunday’s matchup offers an opportunity for either squad to take a major step toward securing their postseason berth.

The mathematics are clear but the outcomes remain uncertain. Scarborough (8-10, 3rd East) can clinch their playoff spot with either a victory over Montréal or a Brampton loss to Niagara in their 2 PM contest. For the Alliance (7-11, 4th East), the path is narrower: they need both a win over Scarborough and a Brampton defeat to secure their postseason berth.

This creates an intriguing dynamic where Scarborough can take control of their playoff destiny while the ALliance have a chance to put significant pressure on their Eastern Conference rivals. While both teams will have additional opportunities to clinch if results don’t go their way Sunday, an early qualification would provide valuable momentum and peace of mind heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Both squads enter Sunday’s clash struggling for consistency. The Alliance are 1-4 in their last five games ,though their recent performances have shown significant improvement since the return of key players. Friday’s heartbreaking 91-89 loss to defending champion Niagara demonstrated their ability to compete with the league’s elite when healthy.

Scarborough has matched Montréal’s recent struggles, also going 1-4 in their last five contests while riding a two-game losing streak. The Shooting Stars fell 96-81 to Niagara on July 20 before dropping a 96-89 decision to Brampton on July 25, highlighting their difficulty closing out games against quality opposition.

The 2025 season series between these Eastern Conference rivals sits deadlocked at 1-1, with each team having dominated on their opponent’s home court. Montréal captured the first meeting with a commanding 108-88 victory in Scarborough on June 9, showcasing the offensive firepower that has defined their best performances this season.

Scarborough answered emphatically in the return fixture, crushing the Alliance 101-73 at Verdun Auditorium on June 18. The defeat came during Montréal’s most challenging stretch of the season, before the roster moves that have transformed their identity. Sunday’s rubber match will feature dramatically different versions of both teams.

The Shooting Stars’ success hinges on one of the CEBL’s most explosive offensive attacks. Terquavion Smith leads the charge with 25.1 points per game while adding 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier scorers. His ability to create offense from anywhere on the court makes him the focal point of Scarborough’s system.

The potential return of Donovan Williams adds another dimension to an already potent offense. The dynamic guard hasn't appeared since July 1 due to NBA Summer League commitments, but his 21.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game made him Scarborough's second-leading scorer before his absence. His return would provide the Shooting Stars with their most complete lineup at the crucial moment.

Cat Barber anchors the backcourt with veteran leadership, contributing 13.0 points and a team-high 6.2 assists per game. His court vision and ability to manage tempo will be crucial in what figures to be a high-pressure environment.

Adding emotional intrigue is Anthony Walker, the former Alliance forward who joined Scarborough after his mid-season release from Montréal. Walker's 12.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game have provided solid production, and his familiarity with Alliance systems could prove valuable in key moments.

The Alliance that takes the court Sunday bears little resemblance to the team that struggled through earlier portions of the season. The return of Tavis "Pistol" Smith has elevated their ceiling dramatically, with the dynamic guard leading all Alliance scorers at 17.7 points per game despite appearing in only three contests. His 5.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds showcase the complete impact he provides when healthy.

Tavian Dunn-Martin continues his stellar campaign with 17.3 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, ranking among the CEBL's assist leaders while providing consistent scoring punch. His chemistry with Smith creates matchup problems that few teams can solve.

Quincy Guerrier completes the core trio with 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, bringing the versatility and athleticism that makes Montréal's lineup so difficult to defend. When all three are healthy and available, the Alliance possesses the offensive firepower to compete with anyone.

The supporting cast has also evolved significantly. Michael Diggins Jr.'s 17-point outburst against Niagara demonstrated the bench depth that has become crucial to Montréal's success, while role players have embraced their responsibilities in what has become a true team effort.

For Scarborough, containing Montréal's Big Three while capitalizing on their own offensive advantages will be paramount. The Shooting Stars' ability to generate easy baskets through their dynamic scorers could prove decisive if they can establish early rhythm.

The Alliance must replicate their recent defensive intensity while avoiding the late-game breakdowns that have plagued them in crucial moments. Their ability to execute in pressure situations will determine whether they can keep their playoff hopes alive.

Beyond the immediate playoff implications, Sunday's winner positions themselves for a more favorable matchup in the Eastern Conference playoffs. With Niagara likely claiming the top seed, the battle for positioning among the remaining playoff teams becomes crucial for postseason success.

The Alliance have proven capable of competing with championship-level teams when healthy, while Scarborough's offensive firepower makes them dangerous in any matchup. Both teams understand that reaching the playoffs is only the first step toward their ultimate goals.

As the regular season continues toward its conclusion, Sunday afternoon at Verdun Auditorium offers both teams a chance to take a significant step toward their playoff goals in what promises to be an intense Eastern Conference battle.

Game Information 

Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025

Time: 3:00 PM ET (Doors open at 1:30 PM)

Location: Verdun Auditorium, Montréal

Broadcast: RDS.ca, TSN+, CEBL+