Giant-Killers to Title-Hunters: River Lions Take on Honey Badgers in Eastern Conference Finals
St. Catharines, ON – The quest for a historic three-peat continues as the two-time defending champion Niagara River Lions turn their sights to an Eastern Conference Finals showdown against the #2 seeded Brampton Honey Badgers. Niagara enters the conference championship matchup with immense momentum following a thrilling 86-84 victory over the #1 Scarborough Shooting Stars on Thursday night. Even against the league’s top regular-season squad, the River Lions delivered a gritty, clutch performance to advance and keep their championship aspirations alive.
With a spot in the CEBL Championship Final on the line, every possession will carry increased importance as Niagara prepares to clash with their provincial rival. Niagara’s path forward will require the same defensive intensity and physicality that powered its upset win in Scarborough, where the River Lions forced timely stops and executed in the biggest moments.
Leading the charge once again was the Lion King himself, Khalil Ahmad, who delivered when the lights were brightest. Ahmad scored 17 points, ending on a cold-blooded, game-winning three-pointer with two defenders draped over him to seal the victory and send Niagara to the Eastern Conference Finals. River Lions veteran Nathan Cayo served as an outstanding secondary option, spacing the floor with 3 three-pointers while attacking the paint with crafty finishes to complete his night with 16 points and 7 rebounds. For Niagara to keep rolling, Ahmad and Cayo will need to set the tempo early and continue to establish an unselfish offensive rhythm. Niagara’s bench will also need to be at their best against a deep Honey Badgers squad capable of changing the momentum with its second unit.
The victory was far from easy, as Scarborough pushed Niagara through all four quarters despite missing three key rotation pieces. However, the River Lions’ championship calibre and late-game execution proved decisive when the game was on the line.
Standing in Niagara’s way is a formidable Brampton squad led by elite scoring guard Sean East II, who had 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists, along with high-flying wing Trentyn Flowers who finished with 25 points and 7 rebounds in their Eastern Conference Semi-Finals matchup against the Ottawa Blackjacks. Brampton possesses a well-rounded roster capable of striking quickly in transition, making plays on both ends of the floor, and hitting their shots from the perimeter. Containing Brampton’s backcourt and winning the battle on the boards will be critical keys for Niagara’s defense.
With a trip to the CEBL Championship Game at stake, Niagara’s success will hinge on its defensive intensity, floor spacing, and high-level execution under pressure. The River Lions have proven throughout the season that their title-defending identity shines brightest when the pressure is high. A victory over Brampton would send Niagara to their third straight CEBL Finals and bring the River Lions one step closer to cementing their place among the greatest dynasties in CEBL history.
Game Information
Date: Saturday, August 8th, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: CAA Centre
Broadcast: CBC, TSN, CEBL+, CBC Gem
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