The Ottawa BlackJacks dramatically opened their 2025 CEBL campaign in coach DeAveiro’s first official game in charge, falling just short in a nail-biting 87–85 loss to the Niagara River Lions in front of a packed and energized crowd at TD Place. While the team’s outcome was heartbreaking, the performance was anything but disappointing.
Ottawa set the tone early with returning forward Isaih Moore knocking down a three-pointer on the game’s opening possession, bringing the crowd’s energy through the roof. The momentum carried through the first half as veteran Tyrell Tate buried back-to-back threes in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the River Lions struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc as the local team pulled away.
Head Coach David DeAveiro. Photo Pedro Decimus
The BlackJacks surged ahead to a 50–34 halftime lead, feeding off the crowd and playing with energy and pace. Their dominance continued into the third quarter, where they maintained control and headed into the final quarter up by ten points.
In the fourth, however, the tide shifted as the game neared its conclusion.
For new fans, the CEBL uses a Target Score format that changes the dynamic late in games: the clock stops at the first whistle under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, and a target score is set, nine points more than the leading team’s score.
A packed house for the BlackJacks. Photo Pedro Decimus
With Ottawa leading 78–66, they needed nine points to close the game. But Niagara wasn’t done. The River Lions tightened their defence and chipped away at the lead. The score narrowed to 82–80, and the pressure mounted.
Tyrell Tate was fouled but missed both free throws, allowing Niagara to tie the game at 82–82. Myrine Thomas was then fouled on a three-point attempt. After a failed challenge by the River Lions, he sank two of three shots to put Ottawa ahead again. But the pattern repeated: Niagara’s Ron Curry drew a three-point foul and hit two of three, levelling the game again at 84–84.
Free throws continued to define the closing moments. Rudi Williams split a pair, and Niagara answered the same way. With the score tied 85–85, Ottawa had the ball with a chance to win, but missed. A foul sent Niagara’s Hill to the line, and he calmly knocked down both free throws to seal the comeback win, defeating the Blackjacks in front of their home crowd.
Deng Adel at the line. Photo Pedro Decimus
Despite the loss, it was a historic night for franchise cornerstone Deng Adel, who, already Ottawa’s all-time leading scorer, also became the BlackJacks’ all-time leader in rebounds and assists.
Key Stats:
- Rudi Williams led the team with 15 points
- Deng Adel finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists
- Isiah Moore added 14 points
- Tyrell Tate contributed 13 points
The BlackJacks won’t have long to dwell on the result, as they returned to TD Place on May 21 to host the Brampton Honey Badgers in the first of four meetings this season.
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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