The Montréal Alliance return home looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss in Calgary when they welcome the league-leading Vancouver Bandits to Verdun Auditorium on Sunday afternoon. The 4:00 PM matchup represents a crucial test for an Alliance team sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference as they face the Western Conference powerhouse that has emerged as the CEBL’s best team this season.

Vancouver enters with an impressive 12-4 record that has them atop the overall standings, but they’ll be returning to a venue that holds painful memories. The Bandits last visited Verdun Auditorium during Championship Weekend 2024, where they fell to the Niagara River Lions in the CEBL Championship Final.

The all-time series between these teams couldn’t be more evenly matched, with both clubs sporting identical 3-3 records against each other. However, Verdun Auditorium has been a fortress for the Alliance in this matchup, as Montréal boasts a perfect 2-0 record when hosting Vancouver. The home crowd will be crucial in maintaining that dominance, especially against a Bandits team that has shown they can excel in hostile environments.

The teams last met on June 14 in Vancouver, with the Bandits claiming a 91-82 victory that showcased their depth and execution. That loss served as a wake-up call for Montréal, demonstrating the level of consistency required to compete with the league’s elite teams. The Alliance will need to learn from those lessons and execute at a much higher level to reverse the result on home court.

Vancouver’s success this season has been built around balanced scoring and veteran leadership. Australian import Mitch Creek has been phenomenal, ranking sixth in the league with 23.1 points per game while contributing 6.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists. His versatility and basketball IQ make him one of the most dangerous players in the CEBL, capable of taking over games in multiple ways.

Supporting Creek is a deep rotation that includes Zach Copeland (15.7 points, 3.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds), veteran point guard Corey Davis Jr. (14.4 points, 6.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds), and Curtis Hollis (12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds). This balanced attack has allowed Vancouver to maintain their high level even when facing different defensive schemes and matchups.

However, the Bandits will be without three key contributors who have departed for NBA Summer League opportunities. Tyrese Samuel, Kyle Mangas, and Izaiah Brockington are all pursuing NBA opportunities, creating rotation holes that Montréal must exploit.

For Montréal, the focus will be on getting healthy bodies back on the court. Tavian Dunn-Martin has been excellent when available, averaging 19.0 points and 6.3 assists per game as the team’s primary offensive catalyst. His ability to create for teammates and knock down clutch shots will be essential against Vancouver.

Brandon Porter has provided steady production with 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while new addition Shamiel Stevenson will make his home debut after posting solid numbers in his Alliance debut in Calgary. The veteran forward’s experience and versatility could prove valuable against Vancouver’s multi-faceted attack.

The biggest question marks surround the potential returns of O.D. Anosike and Michael Diggins Jr., both of whom have been sidelined with injuries. Anosike’s 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game would provide much-needed frontcourt depth, while Diggins Jr.’s energy and athleticism could be crucial in matching Vancouver’s intensity. However, their availability remains uncertain heading into game day.

The Alliance will definitely be without Quincy Guerrier, who continues his NBA Summer League journey with the Toronto Raptors. His absence removes 17+ points and 7+ rebounds per game from Montréal’s rotation, creating opportunities for role players to step up.

This game carries significant playoff implications for both teams. Vancouver is positioned for a top seed and potential home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, while Montréal needs every victory to solidify their postseason positioning. The Eastern Conference remains tightly contested, making each game crucial in determining final seeding.

The atmosphere at Verdun Auditorium should be electric, with fans eager to see their Alliance bounce back. Playing at home has historically brought out the best in this Montréal team, and they’ll need that home-court energy to overcome a Vancouver squad that has proven they can win anywhere.

For the Alliance, it’s an opportunity to prove they can compete with the league’s elite, build momentum for the playoff stretch, and potentially gain revenge for their earlier season loss. With playoff positioning on the line and pride at stake, Sunday afternoon promises to deliver the kind of intensity and drama that makes CEBL basketball special.

The Alliance must find ways to limit Creek’s impact while generating consistent offense against Vancouver’s stingy defense. Role players will need to step up, and the home crowd must provide the energy that has made Verdun Auditorium one of the most challenging venues in the league. If Montréal can execute their game plan and maintain their historical home dominance over Vancouver, they could pull off the upset and jumpstart their playoff push.

Game Information

Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM ET

Location: Verdun Auditorium, Montréal

Broadcast: RDS, CEBL+, TSN+