The Ottawa BlackJacks defeated the Brampton Honey Badgers 95-93 on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in a season-opening matchup [1, 2].
The victory establishes early momentum for Ottawa in the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A comeback win in the opening game often signals a team's resilience and chemistry, which are key factors for success in a short professional season [1].
Kadre Gray led the effort for the BlackJacks, finishing the game with 27 points [1]. Gray also contributed five rebounds and nine assists during the contest [1]. The game remained competitive until the final moments when the BlackJacks rallied to erase a deficit.
Gray secured the win by making a three-point basket in the final seconds of the game [1]. The shot capped a high-intensity performance that left the Honey Badgers just two points short of a victory [1].
This matchup served as the first regular-season test for both rosters. While Brampton maintained a lead for portions of the game, the BlackJacks demonstrated an ability to execute under pressure in the closing moments [1, 2].
“Ottawa BlackJacks 95, Brampton Honey Badgers 93”
This result highlights the immediate impact of Kadre Gray as a primary offensive engine for Ottawa. By securing a win through a last-second shot, the BlackJacks have not only gained a victory in the standings but have also gained a psychological edge over a conference rival early in the 2026 campaign.
