Rattlers and River Lions Look to Extend Winning Streak in Saskatoon Clash
July 1, 2022 - Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
Saskatchewan Rattlers News Release
The Saskatchewan Rattlers and Niagara River Lions are both looking to continue their three game winning runs when they face off on July 1 at 7 pm CT/9 pm ET in Saskatoon.
The River Lions are 7-3 while the Rattlers are 6-4. Saskatchewan is finishing off their five game homestand with their third game in five days after a long break. The Rattlers earned victories against the Montréal Alliance and the Newfoundland Growlers. The River Lions are coming off a break with their last game being a 90-86 victory over the Ottawa BlackJacks.
In their earlier meeting this season in St. Catharines, the Rattlers pulled off an 86-81 comeback victory in Elam time. Saskatchewan trailed 73-58 earlier in the fourth quarter but scored 12 straight points to win.
They had a balanced scoring effort with five players finishing with double figure points, including Tony Carr, who finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. The Rattlers outshot the River Lions from deep (34 to 25 per cent) and made crucial defensive stops late.
After the River Lions lost multiple games after leading in Elam time, they closed out leads recently in their three straight wins. The Rattlers took a double-digit lead into Elam time in their win against Newfoundland. A key factor in this game is which team is better at closing out the game.
Since their last meeting, there have been some lineup changes. Niagara will be missing talented forward EJ Onu (Summer League), who signed an NBA Summer League contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Onu leads all CEBL players with an average of 3.5 blocks and had five blocks against Saskatchewan earlier this season.
The River Lions will be relying upon forwards Antonio Davis Jr., Tidjan Keita and Oluseyi Ashaolu against the Rattlers' front line of Malik Benlevi, D'andre Bernard and Jordy Tshimanga.
Saskatchewan will have guard Sebastian Åris available after he missed the previous game against Niagara. Åris has made an impact in his return with injury with his energy, tenacity and scoring. He had 12 points, five assists and a steal in almost 20 minutes against the Alliance.
Åris' three-point shooting is a strength, as is the case with the team in general. Saskatchewan tops the league, making 40.8 per cent of their threes. Benlevi (44.2 per cent) and Devonte Bandoo (44.3) are top five in three-point percentage.
The River Lions have a couple of strong three-point shooters in Jaylen Babb-Harrison (44 per cent) and Munis Tutu (41) to counter that. Niagara also has the highest scoring offence (86.8 per cent average) and best field goal percentage (46.9 per cent). The key is whether Niagara's efficient offence will keep up with Saskatchewan's hot long-distance shooting and vice versa.
Should Niagara win, they would keep pace with the Hamilton Honey Badgers (8-3). Should Saskatchewan win, they would have the same record as the River Lions.
All games will be streamed live internationally on the CEBL's OTT platform, CEBL+ and on CEBL Mobile the official app of the CEBL for iOS and Android devices. Games are also available to stream live in Canada via cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices, and the free CBC Gem streaming service.
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL 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.
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Canadian Elite Basketball League Stories from July 1, 2022
- Bandits Host Shooting Stars in Canada Day Bout - Vancouver Bandits
- Rattlers and River Lions Look to Extend Winning Streak in Saskatoon Clash - Saskatchewan Rattlers
- Stingers Rout Growlers in Historic 120-69 Blowout - Edmonton Stingers
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