RIVER LIONS SWEEP RATTLERS

The Niagara River Lions (6-6) used the long ball to knock off the Saskatchewan Rattlers (4-8) 90-75 on the road at the SaskTel Centre. 
 
Following back-to-back losses earlier in the week, the River Lions racked up 13 three pointers and shot better than 50 per cent from deep to get back to .500 on the season. The victory also helped Niagara climb within one game of the second place Scarborough Shooting Stars in the eastern conference. 
 
Reigning CEBL MVP Khalil Ahmad recorded a team-high 20 points and 4 threes, while Edward Ekiyor racked up a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards.
 
“For the most part, it was good shot selection and we shot the ball well,” Niagara head coach Victor Raso said after the game. 
 
Although Justin Wright-Foreman, who leads the CEBL in points with 30.2 per game, provided his usual spark on offence for Saskatchewan—scoring 29 points and handing out 5 assists—he faced constant double teams and pressure all night from the Niagara defence.
 
TJ Lall, specifically, finished with 13 points off the bench. But Raso cited his defense as one major key that allowed Niagara to earn the victory tonight. 
 
“It’s crazy that Wright-Foreman had 29 [points] but he had to work for them,” Raso said. “TJ was super active all game long. He’s a good player and he’s tough as hell.” 
 
The River Lions are set to return to action on Wednesday against the Brampton Honey Badgers. Saskatchewan will look to snap their two-game losing streak on July 5 against the eastern conference-leading Ottawa BlackJacks. 

(CEBL Comms)