River Lions Look to Split Road Trip in Regular-Season Finale Against Surge
St. Catharines, ON – After clinching a playoff spot Thursday night the regular season comes down to the final game as the Niagara River Lions wrap up their two-game Western road trip with a high-stakes showdown against the Calgary Surge. Fresh off an 89–78 loss to the Saskatoon Mamba Wednesday night, Niagara enters their final matchup of the regular season with critical playoff seeding and potential home court advantage hanging in the balance.
Despite the setback in Saskatoon, individual offensive sparks offered positive signs for Niagara. Guard Kyle Vinales paced the River Lions with a team-high 18 points and 7 assists, while two-time Finals MVP Khalil Ahmad added 16 points in the backcourt. Off the bench, Keonte Kennedy provided a valuable lift with 15 points to keep Niagara within striking distance down the stretch. Heading into the season finale, the River Lions will need a complete, 40-minute game to bounce back and steer Niagara into the win column before the postseason begins.
However, a road matchup at WinSport Event Centre presents a formidable challenge against a Calgary Surge roster brimming with elite talent and frontline size. Featuring All-Canadian playmaker Sean Miller-Moore, who's averaging 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Operating alongside him in the backcourt is G League champion guard Jon Elmore, dishing 5.0 assists per contest with an elite 90.9% mark from the free-throw line. Down low, former NBA forward Greg Brown III provides exceptional length and explosive interior presence. Calgary’s physical transition game and aggressive rim protection will demand disciplined transition defense and persistent glass work from Niagara.
With playoff positioning and first round homecourt advantage hanging in the balance, the River Lions look to close out the regular season on a high note and build momentum heading into postseason action.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET at WinSport Event Centre.
Fans can tune in live on CEBL+, CBC Gem, and YouTube.
Game Information
Date: Friday, July 31st, 2026
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: WinSport Event 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