The Ottawa BlackJacks had a chance to clinch a playoff berth in front of their home crowd at TD Place on Friday afternoon, July 26, but the Saskatchewan Rattlers had other plans. Ottawa fell 96–97 to the league’s last-place team in what could be a costly loss in the tightly packed Eastern Conference.
Coming into the matchup, Ottawa sat second in the East with an 8–9 record. The math was simple: win and you’re in. But despite several big runs and a standout performance from their stars, the BlackJacks couldn’t put the game away.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair. After falling behind 15–9 early, Ottawa roared back with a 14–2 run, only for Saskatchewan to close the frame with a 7–0 burst of their own and sneak into the break up 24–23.
Isaiah Moore shoots over Bediako. Photo Pedro Decimus
Momentum continued to swing wildly in the second. A 12–4 Ottawa run gave the home side a brief seven-point cushion, but the Rattlers clawed their way back to take a narrow halftime lead. The third quarter saw the visitors surge ahead 71–62 after an 8–2 run, but the BlackJacks responded again, trimming the deficit to four heading into the final frame.
Javonte Smart and Isaih Moore each poured in 22 points for Ottawa, with Moore adding 13 boards to record his fifth consecutive double-double. Deng Adel added a versatile 16-point, 6-rebound, 8-assist performance, becoming just the fifth player in CEBL history to reach 300 assists. Adel also tied the BlackJacks’ franchise record for all-time steals. Keevan Veinot and Tyrell Tate chipped in with 11 points apiece.
Ottawa native Sean Stoqua honoured as NBA champion. Photo Pedro Decimus
The afternoon also included a special halftime tribute to Ottawa native Sean Stoqua, who joined the NBA Team Oklahoma City Thunder as an athletic performance coach and was part of the organization during their 2024–25 championship campaign.
The loss drops Ottawa to 8–10. The BlackJacks will host the Scarborough Shooting Stars on July 29 in a game with massive playoff implications for both squads. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at TD Place.
The Ottawa BlackJacks play at TD Arena. You can buy tickets online or at the TD Arena Box Office, beginning at $35. Accessible seating is available.
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