CEBL

Niagara River Lions handily defeat Ottawa BlackJacks in CEBL season opener

Jaylen Babb-Harrison and Kassius Robertson combined for 51 points to carry the Niagara River Lions to a 103-78 victory over the Ottawa BlackJacks in the CEBL's season opener Thursday.

Babb-Harrison scores game-high 30 points in Niagara's 103-78 victory

Niagara River Lions guard Kassius Robertson (3) contributed 21 points in Niagara's 103-78 victory over the Ottawa BlackJacks Thursday. (Courtesy of CEBL)

Jaylen Babb-Harrison came off the bench to score 30 points to go along with Kassius Robertson's 21 points, as the Niagara River Lions handily defeated the Ottawa BlackJacks 103-78 in the CEBL's season opener Thursday.

In the first season back to playing in teams' host cities, Niagara did not disappoint.

After Ottawa got out to a four-point lead following the first quarter, Niagara began its takeover in the second frame. 

Around the midway point of the second quarter, the River Lions went on a 15-4 run, going up by 13 points with four minutes left before halftime.

Niagara closed out the half up eight points, by a score of 52-44.

WATCH | River Lions rout BlackJacks in CEBL's season opener:

River Lions rout Blackjacks in CEBL season opener

3 years ago
Duration 2:42
Jaylen Babb-Harrison led the way for Niagara with a game-high 30 points in the blowout of the BlackJacks.

With momentum on Niagara's side, the River Lions continued to feast, expanding their lead by outscoring Ottawa by 10 and going into the fourth quarter up 18.

The BlackJacks had little to show for their efforts as the game wore on, with Niagara entering the Elam Ending period up 94-73 and eventually winning by a 25-point margin.

Kadre Gray led the way for Ottawa, scoring 25 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists. BlackJacks forward Nick Ward posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

The BlackJacks are next scheduled to face the Guelph Nighthawks on Monday, while the River Lions are set to square off with the Fraser Valley Bandits on Tuesday.

WATCH | North Courts panel discusses expectations for CEBL's 3rd season:

What to expect from the 2021 CEBL Season / North Courts

3 years ago
Duration 6:44
Vivek Jaocb sits down with CEBL commentator Sean Woodley to discuss the upcoming CEBL season, which kicks off on Thursday, June 24th.

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