The Niagara River Lions broke out with an offensive showcase in their 108-91 victory over the host Saskatchewan Rattlers.

They were the top two teams in standings heading into the game, a rematch of the opening match of the CEBL season, which the River Lions won 99-97. Now, both teams have a 3-2 record.

The three ball fell often for the River Lions as six players reached double figures on offence, led by Nem Mitrovic (18 points) and Guillaume Payen-Boucard (17 points).

The home start started fast with a quick five points from a start for Saskatchewan thanks to a Bruce Massey jump shot and an Alex Campbell three.

The visitors would battle back immediately with a Mitrovic three among numerous attacks to the basket. Mitrovic continued to stay hot beyond the arc – part of his six threes in the game – as the two sides went back and forth in the opening frame.

The River Lions finished the quarter ahead 25-21. Victor Raso’s side would extend their lead even further into the second quarter, as they were up 34-23 less than three minutes in.

Once again, the offence came from all areas, including a number of threes and three-point plays Alex Johnson scored off contact while attacking the basket and hit the ensuing free throw as well. Good ball movement found Dorian Pinson wide open in the corner for a three which he drained while Mitrovic added back-to-back threes.

The Rattlers got the crowd into it by continuing to attack the basket but they didn’t shoot many threes. A deep ball from Negus Webster-Chan changed that and Terry Thomas transition layup forced Niagara coach Raso to call a timeout late in the quarter. It was Thomas’ first game with the Rattlers. However, his team would go into the locker room down 58-42.

Saskatchewan made a push to start the second half, cutting the lead down to 11 with back-to-back threes by Webster-Chan and Massey. That soon stretched back out to 18 as the River Lions pushed the ball in transition. Spencer Muldrow hit a pull up three while Pinson scored on the break to lead to a timeout.

The River Lions’ fast pace continued, highlighted by Trae Bell-Haynes finding Payen-Boucard with an ally-oop dunk to put them up 77-57 midway through the third. The Rattlers responded with a late run as Thomas hit a three but they still found themselves down after five straight points from Payen-Boucard.

Niagara would end the third up 90-64 and would keep the lead throughout the fourth despite a few runs by the Rattlers.

The Rattlers travel to Edmonton to take on the Stingers on May 31 while the River Lions host the Fraser Valley Bandits that same day. Both sides will try to cement their place atop the standings.

By Michael Sun