There is no better way to excite fans across the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) than a match-up between the top two teams to begin the second half of the inaugural season. The Niagara River Lions (8-2) play host to the Hamilton Honey Badgers (7-3) on Wednesday at Meridian Centre (Tickets available at TicketMaster / CEBL TV / CBC Gem App). Niagara is undefeated at home while Hamilton is one of only two teams to defeat the River Lions this season.

Niagara is averaging a blistering 105.6 points in the confines of Meridian Centre, shooting .382 (68-178) from beyond the arc. Defensively, the River Lions have allowed just 88.2 points against per game at home. The Honey Badgers earned victories in each of its past three games and are winners of six-of-its-last seven contests.

The teams split their two previous games with both clubs winning on its home court. In their first meeting on June 8, the River Lions outscored Hamilton 36-18 in the opening quarter which was more than enough to carry Niagara to the 107-96 victory. Guillaume Payen-Boucard led all scorers with 24 points and the River Lions bench outscored its counterparts 47-30.

Two things are certain about the River Lions offence. They boast a balanced attack and they love the long ball. In half of Niagara’s games this season, there have been six or more double- digit scorers. The River Lions average an astonishing 32.6 attempts from beyond the arc this season. The only time they didn’t take 29 or more three-point shots in a game was June 12, when they lost to Hamilton. During the defeat, Niagara was eight-for-19 from long distance.

Hamilton is 5-0 this season when its leading scorer, Demetrius Denzel-Dyson, scores 20 points or more. He netted 24 points in the June 12 victory against Niagara but only 14 points in its loss to the River Lions on June 8. In the Honey Badgers victory, centre Mike Fraser had his best game of the campaign when he grabbed a franchise-best 17 rebounds to go along with 13 points and a season-high six assists.

The River Lions have been consistently amazing at home and there is nothing to suggest this will change Wednesday night. However, the Honey Badgers are the only team to really beat Niagara. The River Lions’ first loss came on May 10 against Edmonton (108-105), during the second half of a back-to-back.

Hamilton and Niagara will not meet again until August 14 at FirstOntario Centre, their final game of the regular season. Will it be to determine the top seed in the CEBL Championship Weekend? We have to wait two months to find out so enjoy the tilt Wednesday night.