The Montréal Alliance had it. They led 89-81 during Target Score Time, two points away from being able to clinch a playoff spot against the defending champions.

Niagara stormed back with a 10-0 run in Target Score Time to steal a 91-89 victory Friday night at Meridian Centre, leaving the Alliance (7-11) to wonder what might have been. The River Lions (13-5) extended their winning streak to six games, improving their record to 10-1 against the Alliance since 2022.

The Alliance controlled most of the fourth quarter. Tavis Smith was completing spectacular sequences, Michael Diggins Jr. was hitting clutch baskets, and everything seemed to be working. When Smith hit a three-pointer at 6:59 in the fourth quarter, Montréal led 74-68 and the upset was within reach.

But championships aren't won by accident. Khalil Ahmad reminded everyone why he was CEBL MVP in 2022, scoring 11 of his 29 points in the final period. The real damage came during Target Score Time when Ahmad hit consecutive three-pointers, reducing what seemed like a comfortable lead to just three points.

From there, the Alliance couldn't buy a basket. They missed three straight possessions down the stretch while Niagara's championship experience took over. Ron Curry completed a three-point play, Ahmad hit another three-pointer, and Ahmed Hill finished the comeback.

Despite the loss, Smith recorded an excellent game with 19 points and five assists, including a buzzer-beater in the third quarter that gave Montréal its first lead of the game.

Diggins Jr. provided the biggest surprise, scoring 17 points off the bench - his best output of the season. When the starters were struggling, he kept the Alliance in the game.

Brandon Porter (11 points, 6 rebounds) and Tavian Dunn-Martin (8 points, 3 assists) both contributed, though Dunn-Martin dealt with foul trouble that limited his impact.

Free throws greatly impacted the game. The Alliance made only 10 of 20 free throws, including 0-for-7 in the first half. In a two-point loss, those missed opportunities are glaring.

Still, the Alliance proved they can compete with anyone when healthy. The trio of Smith, Dunn-Martin, and Quincy Guerrier (8 points, 4 rebounds) is starting to gel, and the bench depth has improved considerably.

But moral victories don't get you to the playoffs. The Alliance are still 7-11 and fighting to get there. They had their chance to clinch against the best team in the East and couldn't close the deal.

The good news? This performance shows they're capable of competing once they get there. The chemistry is building, the pieces are in place, and they've proven they can go toe-to-toe with the defending champions.

Now they just need to finish the job.

The Alliance return home Sunday to face Scarborough at 3:00 PM at Verdun Auditorium.