The Montréal Alliance head to the nation’s capital riding the momentum of a crucial 93-89 victory over Saskatchewan that snapped a troubling four-game losing streak. After a perfect 4-0 start to the season, the Alliance endured their worst stretch of the campaign before rediscovering their winning formula at home.

Sunday’s matchup against the Ottawa BlackJacks presents an opportunity for Montréal to climb further up the Eastern Conference standings while testing significant roster changes that could define their season’s trajectory.

New Faces, New Opportunities

The Alliance will debut newly-acquired forward Brandon Porter, whose international scoring prowess could provide the offensive spark needed following the releases of Americans Dontay Bassett and Anthony Walker. Porter joins veteran center O.D. Anosike, who made an immediate impact in his debut against Saskatchewan with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Porter’s addition is particularly intriguing given his recent success. The 6’9” Virginia native averaged 16.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in Mexico’s CIBACOPA league, including a remarkable five-game stretch where he scored 43, 33, 40, 37, and 35 points consecutively. His ability to fill the scoring void left by departed players could prove crucial for an Alliance team seeking offensive consistency.

Offensive Firepower vs. Rising BlackJacks

While Montréal boasts the CEBL’s top assist average (23.4 per game) and leads the league in three-point makes (11.2), they face a BlackJacks squad that has found new life since adding explosive guard Javonte Smart. The Louisiana State product leads the entire league in scoring at 27.5 points per game, albeit in just two appearances, and has guided Ottawa to a perfect 2-0 record since his arrival.



Smart’s partnership with established stars Isaih Moore (18.6 PPG, 9.8 RBP) and Deng Adel (17.1 PPG, 6.6 APG) has transformed Ottawa’s offensive identity. Moore ranks fourth league-wide in rebounds per game, while Adel’s playmaking ability matches that of Montréal’s own Tavian Dunn-Martin, who also averages 6.6 assists per contest.

Statistical Mirror Match

The numbers reveal two remarkably similar teams. Montréal (90.2 PPG) and Ottawa (88.7 PPG) rank fifth and sixth respectively in scoring, while their defensive efficiency ratings are nearly identical - Alliance allows 86.0 points per game (third-best) compared to Ottawa’s 86.9 (fourth-best).

This statistical symmetry extends to field goal production, where Montréal’s 32.2 makes per game narrowly edges Ottawa’s 31.4. However, the Alliance’s superior three-point shooting (11.2 vs. 9.9) and league-leading assist total could prove decisive factors.

Key Matchups to Watch

Tavian Dunn-Martin vs. Javonte Smart: Two dynamic guards with contrasting styles - Dunn-Martin’s court vision and three-point accuracy against Smart’s explosive scoring ability.

Quincy Guerrier vs. Isaih Moore: The battle in the paint between Guerrier’s versatility (16.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG) and Moore’s rebounding dominance could determine interior control.

Brandon Porter vs. Zane Waterman: Porter’s Alliance debut against Waterman’s consistent production (13.3 PPG) will test both teams’ forward depth.

The Verdict

With both teams sitting in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race, Saturday’s contest carries significant implications. Montréal’s superior ball movement and three-point shooting should give them and edge, but Ottawa’s home-court advantage and Smart’s explosive scoring create compelling counter-arguments.

The Alliance’s ability to integrate Porter seamlessly while maintaining their assist-heavy offensive philosophy could determine whether they continue their upward trajectory or stumble against a hungry BlackJacks squad eager to climb the standings.

Game Information

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025

Time: 3:00 PM ET

Location: The Arena at TD Place, Ottawa

Broadcast: CEBL+, TSN+