New-Look River Lions Aim to Snap Losing Streak Against Top-Seeded Shooting Stars
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions are back at the Meridian Centre on Friday night, looking to put the past couple of games in the rearview mirror after an 86-77 loss to the Ottawa Blackjacks on Saturday. The defeat extended Niagara’s losing streak to five games, dropping the River Lions to 5-10 on the season while keeping them in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Now, the River Lions turn their attention to a rematch against the Scarborough Shooting Stars, who lead the Eastern Conference.
Niagara enters Friday’s contest with three new additions to the lineup:
- Canadian guard Munis Tutu: A crafty Canadian-Egyptian point guard who won two national titles at Carleton before playing professionally in Germany, Romania, and the CEBL.
- American guard Kyle Vinales: A veteran scoring guard who starred at Central Connecticut State before playing professionally across Europe, Asia, and Puerto Rico.
- Australian center Gorjok Gak: A mobile 6'11" Australian big man who played college with the Florida Gators and the California Baptist Lancers before launching a professional career across Europe, Australia, and China.
Despite the roster shakeups and injuries that have plagued the team throughout the season, the stakes remain high. A victory would provide a much-needed boost to Niagara's playoff hopes while snapping its five-game losing streak.
Khalil Ahmad continues to lead the River Lions on both ends of the floor, averaging 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game this season. Keonte Kennedy has emerged as an important backcourt partner, averaging 12.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals through 16 games while providing strong perimeter defense. Ayub Nurhussien and Jordan Tchuente could also be key contributors as Niagara integrates their newest additions.
Scarborough enters Friday's matchup with a 14-2 record after a close 99-95 victory over the Brampton Honey Badgers on Sunday. The Shooting Stars currently occupy first place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Myles Powell leads the way for the Shooting Stars, averaging 25.3 points (2nd in CEBL), 3.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. While St. Bonaventure product Frank Michell has been a dominant presence for Scarborough, averaging 14.6 points, 10.8 rebounds (1st in CEBL), and 2.5 assists per game. Defensively, former Delaware Blue Coats guard Kellen Tynes leads the CEBL with 2.4 steals per game, providing elite perimeter defence for the Shooting Stars.
With a chance to get back in the win column, Friday night's matchup will be an important opportunity for the River Lions in a tight Eastern Conference playoff race.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at Meridian Centre.
Fans can tune in live on CEBL+, CBC Gem, and YouTube.
Game Information
Date: Friday, July 10th, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Meridian Centre
Broadcast:
CEBL+,
CBC Gem,
YouTube
For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.
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Media Contact:
Cole Meyering
Communications Coordinator