The Montréal Alliance travel west for their most anticipated matchup of the young season - a Saturday night showdown against the Vancouver Bandits. Two franchises operating at championship level, both boasting elite talent and championship aspirations, will battle for early supremacy in what promises to be a classic.

Fresh off a resilient performance in Winnipeg that showcased their championship character despite a narrow defeat, the Alliance now face the ultimate test of their remarkable transformation. Saturday’s clash against the 7-1 Bandits represents everything the Alliance have been building toward - an opportunity to prove they belong among the CEBL’s elite while making a statement on the national stage.

Offensive Excellence on Both Ends

The Alliance enter Saturday riding an offensive wave that has redefined expectations in Montréal. Through five games, they’ve averaged an impressive 96.4 points while shooting 44.5% from the field - numbers that reflect the seamless integration of elite talent. Their ability to score in bunches, evidenced by franchise records of 105 and 108 points in consecutive games, gives them the firepower to compete with anyone.

Vancouver brings their own offensive credentials, averaging 100.4 points per game behind a balanced attack that has terrorized opposing defenses. The Bandits have just bolstered their arsenal with the addition of Corey Davis Jr., the CEBL single-season assists record holder who brings proven playmaking ability and championship experience from Calgary’s 2024 playoff run.

The Dunn-Martin Revolution Continues

Tavian Dunn-Martin’s impact on the Alliance cannot be overstated. The dynamic guard has transformed Montréal’s offense with his league-leading 8.0 assists per game while contributing 19.8 points on efficient 50.8% shooting. His court vision has unlocked new dimensions in the Alliance attack, creating easy scoring opportunities while maintaining his own prolific production.

Saturday presents Dunn-Martin with an intriguing matchup against Davis Jr., another elite floor general who understands how to control pace and create advantages. The battle between these two premier playmakers could determine which team establishes rhythm early and maintains offensive flow throughout the contest.

Dunn-Martin’s ability to find Quincy Guerrier in scoring positions and create easy looks for Anthony Walker has been crucial to the Alliance’s success. His chemistry with Guerrier, in particular, has reached elite levels - a connection that could prove decisive against Vancouver’s switching defensive schemes.

Guerrier Anchors Championship Core

Quincy Guerrier has embraced his role as one of the Alliance’s primary scorers with remarkable efficiency, averaging 18.0 points, 6.6 rebounds while shooting 46.9% from the field. His breakout performance against Winnipeg - 25 points on 66.7% shooting - demonstrated his ability to take over games when the Alliance need offensive firepower most.

The versatile forward brings the perfect combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ to create mismatches against Vancouver’s frontcourt. His ability to score from all three levels while contributing on the boards gives the Alliance a dynamic weapon that few teams can neutralize.

Guerrier’s partnership with Dunn-Martin has developed into one of the league’s most potent combinations. Their pick-and-roll chemistry and ability to reach each other’s movements create offensive advantages that should translate well against Vancouver’s defensive pressure.

Supporting Cast Ready for Prime Time

The Alliance’s depth has been a revelation this season, with six different players reaching double figures in scoring. Anthony Walker’s consistent 12.2 points per game provide reliable secondary scoring.

Dontay Bassett’s interior presence (12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds) gives the Alliance a physical advantage in the paint, while his improved mobility allows for tactical flexibility. Against Vancouver’s size, Bassett’s ability to establish position early could be crucial for creating inside-out opportunities.

The bench contributions have been equally impressive. Alain Louis brings historic playmaking ability - he recently became the CEBL’s all-time regular season assists leader with 338 career helpers - while providing veteran leadership in crucial moments. Malcolm Duvivier’s three-point shooting add a dimension that create matchup problems for opposing defenses.

Coaching Excellence Provides Strategic Edge

Jermaine Small’s impact on this Alliance transformation cannot be understated. The CEBL’s most successful head coach has implemented offensive concepts that maximize each player’s strengths while creating a cohesive system that rivals any in professional basketball.

Small’s ability to make in-game adjustments and deploy the right combinations at crucial moments has been evident throughout the Alliance’s hot start. His experience in championship situations gives the Alliance confidence that they can execute under pressure against elite competition.

The tactical battle between Small and Vancouver’s Kyle Julius promises compelling chess match dynamics. Small’s innovative offensive concepts and proven ability to maximize talent give the Alliance strategic advantages that could prove decisive in a close contest.

Road Warriors Embrace Challenge

The Alliance have shown remarkable composure in hostile environments, and Saturday’s game provides another opportunity to demonstrate their championship mettle. Their ability to maintain focus and execution despite challenging circumstances speaks to the mental toughness Small has instilled.

Wednesday’s performance in Winnipeg - mounting a furious comeback from 19 points down - revealed the Alliance’s resilience and refuse-to-quit mentality. That character will be essential Saturday night against a Vancouver team that has proven capable of explosive offensive runs.

The Alliance’s ball movement and unselfish play have been constants throughout their success. Against Vancouver’s length and athleticism, their ability to move the basketball and create open looks through player movement will be crucial for maintaining offensive efficiency.

X-Factors Could Swing the Balance

Several elements could determine Saturday’s outcome in the Alliance’s favour. Their three-point shooting has shown flashes of brilliance, and they’ll need perimeter contributors like Duvivier to find their range against Vancouver’s size. When the Alliance connect from beyond the arc, they become virtually unstoppable.

Defensively, the Alliance have shown the ability to generate turnovers and create transition opportunities. Against a Vancouver team that prefers half-court execution, the Alliance’s ability to speed up the pace through defensive pressure could create significant advantages.

The Alliance’s depth could prove decisive in a late-night contest. Small’s ability to deploy fresh legs while maintaining competitive intensity has been a key factor in their early success, and that depth advantage may become more pronounced as the game progresses.

Prime Time Ready

The Alliance have spent the season building toward moments like Saturday night - opportunities to prove their championship credentials against elite competition. Their remarkable transformation under new ownership and Small’s leadership has created excitement and expectations that demand validation against the best.

Saturday’s contest represents more than a regular season; it’s an opportunity for the Alliance to announce themselves as legitimate championship contenders while proving their early success translates against the CEBL’s premier opposition.

The stage is set for a classic confrontation between two championship-caliber teams. The Alliance have the talent, coaching, and character necessary to emerge victorious. Saturday night in Vancouver, they’ll have their chance to prove it.



Game Information

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Time: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Location: Langley Events Centre, Vancouver, BC

Broadcast: CEBL+, TSN+

Next Game

Home Sweet Home: June 18 vs. Scarborough Shooting Stars, 7:30 PM (Verdun Auditorium) - Welcome the Alliance back home after their three-game road trip and grab your tickets now for as low as $20.