The Niagara River Lions celebrated their home debut with an 108-66 emphatic victory over the Edmonton Stingers.

The River Lions also avenged their loss to the Stingers in Edmonton’s home opener. Niagara was led by captain Ryan Anderson (21 points, five rebounds) and guard Trae Bell-Hayes (16 points, five assists). Meanwhile, the Stingers’ Xavier Moon led all scorers with in a 26 points in a losing
effort while his teammate and captain Jordan Baker had a double-double with 24 points and 14 boards.

The Stingers and River Lions both entered the game with an identical 1-1 record and both coming off a loss. Edmonton led the CEBL standings heading into the game.

Niagara got off to a quick start as guard Bell-Haynes drew contact, scored both free throws to open the scoring and knocked down a contested corner 3. He had seven early points and two assists in the first six minutes.

The River Lions continued their strong opening as Dorion Pinson hit corner 3 to extend it to an early 10-5 after good ball movement. Toronto native Nem Mitrovic added another three- pointer while Baker had five early points for Edmonton.

Edmonton battled back with Moon getting a block and driving it down the other end to draw two fouls.

However, the River Lions would go on a run to end the first quarter up 33-18. The home side continued their strong surge with scoring off the bench: a three by Alex Johnson and a layup by Yohanny Dalembert kicked off the second. The three-pointers continued to rain in for Niagara as Mitrovic knocked one down to make it 50-25.

Meanwhile, Moon carried on his strong offensive play for the visitors with seven straight points in the second quarter – part of his game-high 17 at the break. However, it wasn’t enough as the home side still found ways to score inside as they carried a 58-36 lead after 20 minutes of play.
Niagara started off the second half like they did in the first – attacking the basket with a Pinson layup. Bell-Haynes also blew to the basket. Baker scored back-to-back baskets to keep the visitors in it.

Sam Muldrow added to the River Lion’s versatility offensively with a top-of-the-key three to make it 68-46. The second unit kept up the scoring as Anderson scored off a layup and also hit a catch-and-shoot three off a defensive stop. By the time the third quarter ended, the home side led 82-55 after Dalembert finished a layup right at the buzzer.

Dalembert also started off the final quarter with an emphatic block on Baker and then scoring on the next possession. Moon and Anderson exchanged three pointers as the Stingers called timeout.

Guard Tyler Brown (from the hometown Brock Badgers) entered the game and scored a free throw to hit 100 points for the home side to a loud applause.

Niagara now travels to play the Saskatchewan Rattlers on May 24 while Edmonton hosts the Guelph Nighthawks the same day.

By Michael Sun