The Montréal Alliance face one of their toughest challenges yet when they travel to St. Catharines Friday morning to battle the defending CEBL champion Niagara River Lions in an 11:00 AM school day showcase. After a disappointing home loss to Scarborough, the Alliance must regroup quickly against the Eastern Conference leaders to prove they can compete with the league’s elite.

Champions Await in Hostile Territory

The River Lions (6-3) enter as favourites, sitting atop the Eastern Conference despite their own recent struggles. While their 3-2 home record suggests vulnerability at the Meridian Centre, Niagara remains a formidable opponent with championship pedigree and the individual firepower to dominate any game.

Leading the charge is Khalil Ahmad, the 2022 CEBL MVP and 2024 Finals MVP who continues to torment opposing defenses. Ahmad’s 25.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game make him arguably the most complete player in the league. His ability to score from all three levels while facilitating for teammates presents the type of multi-dimensional threat that can single-handedly swing momentum.

The River Lions depth includes several familiar faces for Alliance supporters. Ahmed Hill, the former Montréal fan favourite who starred for the Alliance in 2023 and 2024, returns to face his old team. While his production has decreased to 10.4 points per game - down from 16.1 last season with Montréal - this reduction speaks more to Niagara’s balanced attack than any decline in Hill’s abilities.

Guillaume Boucard, who spent 2024 with Montréal before returning to Niagara, adds veteran savvy and defense. Montréal native Nathan Cayo provides additional firepower after helping the River Lions capture last season’s championship following his 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Alliance

Statistical Edges Point to Intriguing Matchup

Despite Niagara’s superior record, the numbers suggest a more competitive contest than standings indicate. The Alliance’s +45 point differential vastly outperforms Niagara’s -30, highlighting Montréal’s consistency despite recent setbacks.

Offensively, the Alliance hold significant advantages in several key areas. Montréal leads the CEBL with 11.6 three-pointers made per game compared to Niagara’s 9.0, while also dominating in ball movement with a league-best 24.4 assists versus the River Lions’ 17.9. Most importantly, the Alliance protect the basketball very well, committing just 10.9 turnovers per game - the fewest in the league - compared to Niagara’s 14.3.

The River Lions counter with superior rebounding, leading the CEBL with 12.8 offensive rebounds per game. This edge on the glass could prove decisive, particularly if the Alliance struggle with their perimeter shooting as they did against Scarborough.

Dunn-Martin’s Brilliance Must Continue

Tavian Dunn-Martin has emerged as the Alliance’s most consistent performer, averaging 18.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists while ranking second league-wide with 3.2 three-pointers made per game. His court vision and ability to create advantages through ball movement perfectly embody the Alliance’s team-first approach.

Against Niagara’s switching defensive schemes, Dunn-Martin’s decision-making becomes even more crucial. His chemistry Quincy Guerrier - who ranks second for Montréal with 17.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game - could provide the consistent scoring punch needed to match Ahmad’s production.

Anthony Walker’s continued emergence adds another dimension to Montréal’s attack. His 12.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, combined with improved defensive intensity, give the Alliance the type of versatile wing production that creates matchup problems.

School Day Advantage for Alliance

The 11:00 AM tip-off might actually favour the Alliance, who previously thrived in a similar environment. Their 92-71 victory over Brampton in a June 4th school day game demonstrated their ability to maintain focus and execution despite the unusual timing and atmosphere.

Michael Diggins Jr.’s recent strong performance - 12 points on 55.6% shooting with three rebounds and two blocks against Scarborough - suggests the Alliance bench is finding its rhythm at the right time. His energy and athleticism could prove valuable against Niagara’s depth.

Breaking the Slide

Currently riding a three-game losing streak, the Alliance need this type of marquee victory to validate their championship aspirations. A win against the defending champions on the road would not only snap their recent struggles but announce their arrival as legitimate contenders.

The statistical advantages suggest the Alliance possess the tools to compete with anyone when executing properly. Their ball movement, three-point shooting, and turnover management create a foundation for success against even the most talented opponents.

Friday morning’s contest represents an opportunity for the Alliance to prove their early-season promise against CEBL’s gold standard. In the unique atmosphere of a school day game, they’ll discover whether their team-first approach can overcome individual brilliance and championship experience.

Tip-off is set for 11:00 AM at the Meridian Centre, with the Alliance seeking to make a statement against the league’s defending champions.

Game Information 

Date: Friday, June 20, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM ET

Location: Meridian Centre, St. Catharines, ON

Broadcast: CEBL+, TSN+

Next Game

Home vs Saskatchewan Rattlers, Sunday, June 22, 3:00 PM (Verdun Auditorium)