Short-Manned River Lions Host Blackjacks in Crucial Eastern Conference Clash on Trinidadian & Caribbean Culture Night
By Jack Lewis
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions return home Saturday night looking to put a difficult road trip behind them after falling 92-69 to the Ottawa Blackjacks on Sunday. The loss capped an 0-3 road swing, dropping Niagara to 5-9 on the season and fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Despite the team's recent struggles, star guard Khalil Ahmad continued to cement his legacy by passing former River Lion Ahmed Hill to become the CEBL's all-time leading scorer (regular season and playoffs combined).
Now, the River Lions turn their attention to a pivotal rematch with the Blackjacks at Meridian Centre, where they will also celebrate Trinidadian & Caribbean Culture Night.
Niagara enters Saturday’s contest shorthanded, with guard/forward Curtis Hollis stepping away from the team indefinitely and center JD Muila out after sustaining a jaw injury during the River Lions' road trip. Despite the roster challenges, the stakes remain high as Niagara looks to snap a three-game losing streak. A victory would move the River Lions ahead of the BlackJacks into fourth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Ahmad continues to lead Niagara on both ends of the floor, averaging 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game this season. Keonte Kennedy has been an essential backcourt partner, proving his defensive prowess, averaging 13.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals through 14 games.
Ottawa enters Saturday's matchup with a 6-9 record after a nail-biting 81-76 loss on the road to the Brampton Honey Badgers on Thursday. The Blackjacks currently occupy fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Javonte Smart leads the offensive charge for the Blackjacks, averaging 22.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists (5th in the CEBL), and 1.2 steals per game. Former Texas Legends forward Matthew Cleveland has been a commanding presence for Ottawa, averaging 23.8 points (4th in the league), 7.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Defensively former Lakers forward Alex Fudge leads the CEBL with 1.8 blocks per game, providing superb rim protection for the BlackJacks
With an opportunity to end its losing streak and climb into a playoff position, Saturday night's matchup will be full of excitement.
Fans can also look forward to Trinidadian & Caribbean Culture Night, featuring cultural performances, reggae and soca music, Caribbean-inspired food and drinks, and exciting in-game entertainment throughout the evening!
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: Saturday, July 4th, 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.
###
Media Contact:
Cole Meyering
Communications Coordinator