The Niagara River Lions (13-4) hope to close out an incredible season at Meridian Centre by sweeping the season series against the Guelph Nighthawks (4-12) on Thursday night.
With a perfect home record no longer possible due to a thrilling 105-98 overtime loss to Edmonton on Friday, Niagara will keep the pressure on the Stingers in the race for first place if they can defeat a Guelph team that plays well against the River Lions.
Despite holding an 0-3 record against Niagara this season, the Nighthawks have shown they can keep up with the River Lions. Guelph has lost its three games by an average of 6.7 points, including a thrilling 112-109 loss on June 14 in the hostile confines of Meridian Centre. If the Nighthawks played a first quarter adequately, they may have been able to come out with a win against the River Lions. Through the first three games of the season seasons, Guelph is a -34 in the first quarter but +14 for the remaining three quarters. However, all of the blame cannot be directed to Guelph. Niagara is outscoring its opponents by an average of 25.4 to 20.3 in the opening frame throughout the entire campaign.
Fans of the River Lions have been treated to a remarkable season at home. Niagara plays so relaxed at Meridian Centre, including a fluid offence that shares the ball effortlessly with no egos. Almost 70 per cent (69.8%) of field goals made by the River Lions at home are assisted. Ryan Anderson, who has made a league-best 53 triples this season, has been shooting an incredible .492 (29-59) from beyond-the-arc at home.
2019 River Lions at Meridian Centre
Record: 8-1
Points For: 101.3
Points Against: 89.1
Field Goal Pct. (For): .475
Field Goal Pct. (Against): .386
Assists-to-Turnover (For): 25.7/16.1 (1.6)
Assists-to-Turnovers (Against): 19.6/18.3 (1.1)
While the Nighthawks are disappointed with its inaugural season, which will most likely end August 15, and not include a trip to CEBL Championship Weekend , Guelph can still play a role in how the final standings take shape. With a game against Niagara, two games versus Hamilton and the season finale in Saskatchewan, the Nighthawks pride can help dictate the final four match-ups in Saskatoon.
Tip-Off is 7PM ET.
June 1, 2019 at Guelph: Niagara 93, Guelph 85
Leading scorers: Guelph (C. Johnson, 16), Niagara (G. Payen-Boucard, 17)
Leading rebounders: Guelph (C. Lufile, 8), Niagara (G. Payen-Boucard, 11)
June 14, 2019 at Niagara: Niagara 112, Guelph 109
Leading scorers: Guelph (M. Lewis, 26), Niagara (K. Robertson, 20)
Leading rebounders: Guelph (M. Kabongo, 11), Niagara (Y. Dalembert, 9)
July 27, 2019 at Guelph: Niagara 96, Guelph 87
Leading scorers: Guelph (O. Famutimi, 20), Niagara (A. Johnson, 19)
Leading rebounders: Guelph (C. Lufile, 7), Niagara (D. Pinson, 11)