The Montréal Alliance overcame an 18-point deficit and significant injury adversity to claim a dramatic 82-80 victory over the Saskatchewan Rattlers in Saskatoon Thursday night. Despite losing O.D. Anosike to injury in the first quarter and playing without injured stars Tavian Dunn-Martin and Michael Diggins Jr., the Alliance found contributions from unexpected sources to secure a crucial road victory.

Quincy Guerrier led the Alliance comeback with 20 points and 5 rebounds, though his impact was most pronounced in the fourth quarter where he delivered when the team needed him most. After a quiet first three quarters, Guerrier came alive in the final frame to help orchestrate the stunning turnaround. Brandon Porter continued his solid integration with 14 points and 6 rebounds, providing steady production throughout the contest.

The story of the night belonged to Abdullah Shittu, who delivered a breakout performance with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists after barely seeing action this season. Shittu's consistent impact was felt throughout the game, providing energy and versatility that proved crucial to the Alliance's comeback effort. His emergence offers valuable depth as the team navigates its current injury challenges.

Abdul Mohamed contributed significantly with 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Malcolm Duvivier added 11 points and 3 assists off the bench. Ben Stevens chipped in 7 points and 4 rebounds, and Kevin Osawe provided 7 points and 6 rebounds in the starting lineup. The Alliance also witnessed Sultan Haider Bhatti, the 2025 CEBL Draft's first overall pick, recording his first professional minutes.

Saskatchewan was led by Nate Pierre-Louis, who posted an outstanding performance with 25 points and 13 assists. The veteran guard controlled the tempo for much of the contest and kept the Rattlers competitive throughout. Isaac Simon added 19 points and 4 rebounds, while former Alliance player Jordan Bowden contributed 15 points and 4 assists. Anthony Tsegakele provided 9 points and 4 rebounds, and Grant Anticevich added 8 points and 3 rebounds for the Rattlers.

The early loss of Anosike to injury after just one quarter created additional challenges for an Alliance squad already dealing with the absences of Dunn-Martin and Diggins Jr. However, the team's depth proved crucial as multiple players stepped up to fill the void. The victory demonstrates the resilience and character that will be essential as the Alliance continues to navigate roster adversity.

Despite trailing by 18 points at one stage, the Alliance never surrendered and gradually chipped away at the deficit through improved defensive intensity and timely scoring. The fourth-quarter surge showcased the team's potential when multiple contributors stepped forward, providing optimism for future contests.

At 6-6, the Alliance have stabilized their record following recent struggles and remain firmly in playoff contention. The victory against Saskatchewan provides valuable momentum as they prepare for upcoming challenges while dealing with their current injury situation. The emergence of players like Shittu and the continued development of Porter offer encouraging signs for the team's depth and future potential.

The thrilling finish in Saskatoon demonstrates that this Alliance squad possesses the character and versatility to overcome adversity. As they await updates on their injured players, performances like Thursday's showcase the collective effort that will be essential for playoff success.