The Niagara River Lions and Ottawa BlackJacks met for a Canadian Elite Basketball League regular-season game at the Arena at TD Place [1, 2].
This matchup served as a critical juncture for both teams as they navigated the CEBL regular season. The BlackJacks entered the contest described as desperate for a win [3].
The game featured a standout individual performance from Ottawa's Javonte Smart. Smart scored 44 points [3], which established a new franchise record for the BlackJacks.
Reports on the final outcome of the game vary between major sports outlets. One report said the BlackJacks won the game behind the scoring surge from Smart [3]. However, other reports said the Niagara River Lions won the contest with a final score of 109-97 [4].
According to those reports, the victory allowed the River Lions to maintain a 100% home win record [4] through the end of the regular season. This streak established the team as a dominant force in their own arena, a factor that typically influences seeding and momentum heading into the postseason.
The game took place on a Thursday in April 2026 [3]. The contest highlighted the high-scoring nature of the league and the impact of individual star players on team success in the CEBL.
“Javonte Smart scored 44 points, which established a new franchise record”
The discrepancy in reporting regarding the winner reflects the volatility of real-time sports data during the CEBL regular season. While the individual record set by Javonte Smart is a verified milestone for the Ottawa franchise, the conflicting final scores suggest a need for official league verification to determine the final standings and home-court advantages for the playoffs.
