With playoff spots already locked in, the Vancouver Bandits and Ottawa BlackJacks could have taken it easy in their regular-season finale. Instead, they treated fans to an offensive showcase.
Vancouver set a new CEBL scoring record since the introduction of Target Time, and both teams combined for the second-highest scoring game in league history. The Bandits came away with a 130-112 win.
The game was fast-paced from the opening tip. Vancouver jumped ahead 21-9 before Ottawa responded with a 13-5 run to close the gap. Both teams kept trading baskets until the Bandits took a 73-62 lead into halftime, the second-highest first-half total in league history.
Whenever Ottawa got close, The Bandits seemed to answer with another basket. The BlackJacks battled to keep the game within reach.
Tate attacks the basket. Photo Pedro Decimus
For Ottawa, it was a chance to give younger players more time on the court. Justin Ndjock-Tadjore tied for the team lead with 19 points alongside Javonte Smart. Deng Adel scored 17 points and reached the 1,000-point milestone for his CEBL career. Keevan Veinot added 15, and captain Tyrell Tate had 13.
“It’s been a roller coaster of a season,” Adel said about their 2-6 start to the season, which they’ve turned around ending the season 12-12 and clinching 2 place in the Eastern conference.
Both teams now turn their attention to the playoffs. Vancouver will host the winner of the Calgary Surge vs. Edmonton Stingers matchup. Ottawa will face either the Montreal Alliance or Scarborough Shooting Stars at home.
Venoit 3 pointer. Photo Pedro Decimus
BlackJacks head coach DeAveiro said the focus will be on rest, recovery, and fine-tuning ahead of their playoff opener. “The good thing is we’ve seen those teams a few times already. It’s just about making small adjustments.”
Up Next:
The Ottawa BlackJacks and Vancouver Bandits will host their Conference Semifinal games on August 16. The Blackjacks game will take place at 1:00 PM at Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, and tickets are available online.
