BlackJacks Host Alliance in Regular Season Finale
August 1, 2022 - Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
Ottawa BlackJacks News Release
The Ottawa BlackJacks host the Montréal Alliance in the final game of the CEBL regular season on Aug. 1 at 7:30 pm ET. The BlackJacks (7-12) are eighth place while the Alliance (4-5) are tenth.
It's a game between two teams going in opposite directions. The BlackJacks have won two games in a row while the Alliance have lost five straight. Ottawa is also preparing for their CEBL Championship Weekend semi-final on Aug. 12.
The BlackJacks' most recent victory came against the defending champion Edmonton Stingers on July 27. Ottawa took an early lead and kept it for the victory.
Shooting was key for Ottawa as they shot 50 per cent from the field and 40 per cent from three. Tyrrel Tate (three-for-six) and Deng Adel (two-for-five) both sank multiple threes. Adel had a game-high 30 points and scored from all areas of the court.
They also won the rebounding battle 47-38 in a game between the two best rebounding teams. Ottawa leads the league in average rebounds (38.7) while Edmonton is second (37.8). The BlackJacks used a team-effort for rebounding. Four players had at least four rebounds, including Chad Posthumus who had 10 points and 15 rebounds coming off the bench.
Offensive efficiency and rebounding will be crucial against Montréal. The Alliance are tenth in average rebounds (31.9). Interior defence will also be a factor. Ottawa is third in average blocks (3.5) while Montréal is tenth (2.0).
The Alliance won their only previous meeting against the BlackJacks, 86-80 on May 31.
In that game, Montréal shot the ball better from two and three-point range and had more assists. They were also close to matching Ottawa in rebounds.
Nathan Cayo, Abdul Mohamed and Emondre Rickman will be facing Posthumus, Adel and Ottawa's forwards. Cayo leads the team in average points (12.6), rebounds (4.6) and field goal percentage (55.2 per cent).
Meanwhile, Montréal's offence will also come from their guards. Hernst Laroche is a key facilitator as he and Alain Louis lead the team in average assists. Laroche also notches 1.4 steals on average. Against Ottawa earlier, he finished with 10 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Defence will be important for the Alliance as they are tenth in average points scored (76.9) and field goal percentage (43.1). Limiting the BlackJacks' offence will be key to keep the game close.
Montréal can rely on the three-pointer as they are fourth in three-point percentage (36.0). Laroche (44.7 per cent from three), Louis (37.5) and Kemy Osse (37.2) are among their best deep shooters.
The Alliance will be looking to finish their inaugural season with a win. This game will serve as preparation for Ottawa for their semi-final game against the Hamilton Honey Badgers on Aug. 12.
Fans will be able to live stream all games including the playoffs on the CEBL's OTT streaming service CEBL+, the CEBL's official app, CEBL Mobile for iOS and Android devices, cbcsports.ca, the free CBC Gem streaming service, the CBC Sports App for iOS and Android devices and on NXT Level Sports in the U.S. As part of its playoff coverage, CBC Sports will broadcast the quarterfinal games Sunday, August 7, semifinal games Friday, August 12, and the Championship game on Sunday, August 14. For the complete broadcast and streaming schedule, click here. All times are subject to change.
The CEBL's fourth regular season began May 25 and ends August 1. A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL is the largest pro sports league in the country with 10 teams located in six provinces. It has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 71 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us (@cebleague) on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
• Discuss this story on the Canadian Elite Basketball League message board...
Canadian Elite Basketball League Stories from August 1, 2022
- BlackJacks Down Alliance 81-62 in Regular Season Finale - Ottawa BlackJacks
- BlackJacks Host Alliance in Regular Season Finale - Ottawa BlackJacks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
