Montreal looks to stay hot at home against the defending champion Niagara River Lions

May 25, 2026

The Montreal Alliance returns home Tuesday night looking to extend its early-season momentum as the defending CEBL champion Niagara River Lions visit Verdun Auditorium for the first meeting between the two teams this season.


Montreal enters the matchup riding a two-game winning streak after victories over Saskatoon and Ottawa, improving to 2-1 to begin the 2026 campaign. The Alliance most recently earned an impressive 96-87 road win over the Ottawa BlackJacks behind another explosive performance from Javon Freeman-Liberty and a dominant effort on the glass.


Niagara arrives in Montreal with a 1-2 record through its first three games but remains one of the league’s premier organizations after capturing back-to-back CEBL championships over the past two seasons. The River Lions are coming off a dramatic 101-99 victory over Edmonton after opening the season with losses to Winnipeg and Ottawa.


This season also marks a new era for Niagara under first-year head coach Kimbal Mackenzie, a former River Lions star and team captain who helped establish the organization’s championship culture during his playing career.


Montreal will look to continue building momentum offensively after averaging over 94 points per game through its first three contests. Freeman-Liberty has quickly emerged as one of the league’s top offensive threats, while Kevin Osawe, Michael Hughes II, Lue Williams III and Quincy Guerrier have all played important roles in Montreal’s balanced attack.


Tuesday’s matchup also presents another opportunity for Montreal to shift the narrative in the all-time series against Niagara. The Alliance has defeated the River Lions only once in franchise history and will look to add another statement win against the reigning champions.


Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM Tuesday night at Verdun Auditorium.


Fans can explore ticket packages and secure their seats now at BASKETMTL.ca.


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