River Lions Clinch Spot In CEBL Championship Weekend

St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions secured their spot in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship Weekend with a 104-94 win over the Fraser Valley Bandits last night. The River Lions become the first team in the league’s inaugural season to secure a playoff berth.

Going into last night’s game in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the River Lions had to win over the Bandits and the Edmonton Stingers playing at the same time, had to win over the Guelph Nighthawks to guarantee the River Lions ticket to Championship Weekend. Both scenarios played out ensuring the River Lions spot at the 4-day festival and finals being hosted in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from August 22-25.

“This is one step closer to our goal of winning a championship,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Victor Raso. “I’m proud of what our team and organization has accomplished so far and we are excited to bring continued success to our fans in Niagara”

With an overall record of 11-3 and an impressive 7-0 record at home, the River Lions are having their most successful season in franchise history with just 6 games left in the 2019 regular season.

“Last night’s win marks a historic moment for the River Lions organization,” said President Jeffrey Sotiriou. “Our fans have waited three years to have a season like this one and we couldn’t be more excited as we finish off the season and look forward to the same success in Saskatoon.”

The inaugural season of the CEBL will conclude in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in a Championship Weekend Festival and Finals format. Over four days between August 22-25, the province of Saskatchewan and city of Saskatoon will host a league Gala Dinner, three-day family friendly street festival, tailgate party, major festivals and the top four teams competing for the championship title.

For more information visit https://www.cebl.ca/championship-weekend-2019.

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Media Contact:

Michelle Biskup, Director of Operations mbiskup@riverlions.ca