CEBL · Meridian Centre

Ottawa Blackjacks 9-12

Final

102 : 106

Niagara River Lions 9-12

Scoreboard

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	T
Blackjacks	26	38	23	15	102
Lions	18	24	38	26	106

AI PREDICTIONNeural Network Forecast

This forecast was generated before tip-off — compare it with the final score above.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	T
Blackjacks	24	23	24	24	95
Lions	22	21	23	22	88

Confidence: 68% Blackjacks favored

This Eastern Conference matchup pits two evenly matched teams on paper—both 9-12 and fighting for playoff position—but the underlying trends favor Ottawa. The Blackjacks have dominated the head-to-head series 2-1 this season, most recently crushing Niagara 92-69 on June 28. Their offensive firepower, anchored by Smart Javonte (23.5 PPG, 6.7 APG) and M. Cleveland (22.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG), is significantly superior to Niagara's distributed scoring led by Ahmad Khalil (19.1 PPG). Ottawa scores at 92.2 PPG to Niagara's 87.6 PPG, a meaningful edge in the CEBL. However, both teams are fragile: Niagara just lost to Scarborough (75-82) and Edmonton (91-102), though they bounced back with wins over Brampton; Ottawa has dropped its last two games (losses to Montreal and Scarborough), leaving them vulnerable to a River Lions side that could benefit from home court at Meridian Centre. The pace matchup favors Ottawa—they push tempo and force mistakes—but Niagara's recent form (3-2 in last five before yesterday's loss) and home environment create genuine upset risk. This is a tight game decided by offensive execution and whether Niagara's defense can tighten around Khalil and role players like C. Hollis (13.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG) and N. Cayo (10.6 PPG). Expect a mid-80s/low-90s scoring environment typical of CEBL play, with Ottawa's superior scoring depth marginalizing Niagara's depth advantage.

Scoring Dynamics

First Half (Q1-Q2) 90P Balanced half with Ottawa's pace advantage evident

Second Half (Q3-Q4) 93P Slight escalation as tempo increases in final quarters

Total Points 183 Range 175-191

Matchup Analysis

Lions

Strong home court edge

Balanced scoring depth

Recent three-game win streak

Defensive vulnerability at 90.4 OPPG

Lost last two games badly

Blackjacks

Elite scoring duo in Smart and Cleveland

2-1 head-to-head dominance

Higher offensive rating advantage

Inconsistent form, 1-4 in last five

Defensive lapses at 91.9 OPPG

Risk Factors

Home court could energize Niagara late

Both teams inconsistent; upset possible

Players to Watch

Smart Javonte Blackjacks Elite scoring and playmaking (23.5 PPG, 6.7 APG) controls game rhythm

Ahmad Khalil Lions River Lions' leading scorer (19.1 PPG) must pace offense and limit turnovers

M. Cleveland Blackjacks Second scoring threat (22.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG) provides inside-out balance

Statistical Edges

First to Score Blackjacks 62%

Hottest Quarter Q2

Game Preview

Ottawa comes out aggressive in the first quarter, exploiting Smart Javonte's playmaking to push pace; Khalil keeps Niagara close with efficient scoring, but the Blackjacks edge into a 24-22 lead. The second quarter remains tight as both benches contribute—Cleveland stretches the floor and Cayo battles inside for the River Lions—but Ottawa's discipline and cohesion allow them to maintain a slim 47-43 halftime advantage. In the third, Niagara rallies behind Khalil and C. Hollis, briefly drawing level at 67-67 as the home crowd energizes, but Smart Javonte answers with consecutive baskets and deft passes, keeping Ottawa ahead 71-70 entering the final frame. The fourth quarter becomes a tug-of-war: Khalil refuses to let Niagara fade, matching Ottawa's runs, but Cleveland's physicality on the boards and Smart's poise in the clutch prove decisive. Ottawa holds off a late Niagara push, escaping with a 95-88 victory—a statement road win that reasserts their head-to-head edge and keeps them competitive in the Eastern Conference race.

Ottawa's superior scoring duo, 2-1 head-to-head edge, and higher offensive rating (92.2 vs 87.6) offset Niagara's home court. Both teams are streaky, but Ottawa's consistency in this series outweighs recent form volatility. Moderate confidence due to both teams' inconsistency.

Ottawa Blackjacks vs Niagara River Lions — Game Recap

Niagara River Lions beat Ottawa Blackjacks 106-102 in CEBL play on July 26, 2026 at Meridian Centre.

Ottawa Blackjacks led 64-42 at halftime, but Niagara River Lions finished the job with a 4-point margin.

Before tip-off, our AI model predicted Ottawa Blackjacks to win 95-88 — the pick missed. The forecast projected 183 total points against 208 actually scored; the full quarter-by-quarter prediction for this game is free to view on this page.

Follow Ottawa Blackjacks vs Niagara River Lions in the CEBL with live scores, a quarter-by-quarter scoreboard, full box score, and team statistics. Basketball Predicts combines real-time data with AI-powered analytics — team form, head-to-head history, and scoring trends — to give you the complete picture of every matchup.

Season Comparison

Blackjacks

STAT

Lions

9-12 Record 9-12

.429 PCT .429

3 Position (Eastern Conference / Eastern Conference) 4

1943 Points For 1827

1956 Points Against 1889

21 Games Played 21

- Streak -

92.5 Points Per Game 87.0

93.1 Opp. Points Per Game 90.0

Head to Head

Last 3 meetings

Jul 4, 2026

Blackjacks 86 - 77 Lions

Jun 28, 2026

Lions 69 - 92 Blackjacks

May 18, 2026

Lions 85 - 91 Blackjacks

Blackjacks Recent

Jul 24 @ Alliance 85-96 L

Jul 22 vs Stars 113-106 L

Jul 18 @ Stars 102-89 W

Jul 12 vs Badgers 105-98 L

Jul 8 vs Alliance 77-104 W

Lions Recent

Jul 24 @ Stars 75-82 L

Jul 18 vs Stingers 102-91 L

Jul 16 vs Badgers 90-99 W

Jul 14 @ Badgers 91-81 W

Jul 12 vs Alliance 87-90 W

Scoreboard