Coming off just its third loss of the season, the Niagara River Lions (9-3) return to the friendly confines of Meridian Centre on Friday night to take on the Saskatchewan Rattlers (6-5). The River Lions are a perfect 6-0 at home and have defeated the Rattlers in each of its previous three meetings.

(Tickets available at TicketMaster. Watch via CEBL TV or the CBC Gem App ).

Considering Niagara yet to lose at home all year and has not been defeated in consecutive games this season, it is safe to say that Saskatchewan is facing an uphill climb similar to the Niagara Escarpment. Edmonton is the only team in the CEBL to defeat the league’s top club on two separate occasions this season, including a 105-99 win at Expo Centre on June 28 – the River Lions’ last contest.

The three-game season series between the River Lions and Rattlers is a microcosm of the type of season Niagara has enjoyed. In the three wins over Saskatchewan, the River Lions have averaged 33.3 points from its bench, compared to just 17.0 points from the Rattlers reserves. Leading the league in assists, Niagara has averaged 23.3 helpers against Saskatchewan, roughly the same amount as its season average (23.0). The River Lions lead the league is every major statistical category but rebounding. However, when you are shooting at a .477 clip from the field, there are not many boards to grab.

While the River Lions are known for shooting accuracy that stems from ball movement and scoring distribution, the Rattlers have relied heavily on Tavrion Dawson. The six-foot-eight forward from Long Beach, California, leads the league in scoring (21.0 ppg) and ranks third in rebounding (8.0 rpg). His numbers equate to 22 per cent of the Rattlers’ season scoring and 20 per cent of its overall rebounding. That’s a big load to carry for any one player.

Saskatchewan must be mindful of Dorian Pinson , who is averaging 13.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists throughout the season series, including the league’s first triple-double on May 24 when he recorded 15 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in just 29 minutes of action.

Niagara will be without Kassius Robertson, who will be participating in the NBA Summer League for the Charlotte Hornets. Since their last meeting with the River Lions, Saskatchewan has added forward Ali Haider, University of Saskatchewan guard Evan Ostertag, and American guard Terry Smith, while parting ways with guard Justus Alleyn.

If the regular season ended today, Niagara and Saskatchewan would tipoff in one of two semifinals during the CEBL Championship Weekend. What message will the Rattlers send to Niagara during this last regular season meeting?

HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS

Niagara (9-3) Saskatchewan (6-5)

3-0    Head-to-Head      0-3

100.3      PPG     90.3

.477 (112-235)      FG%   .459 (67-146)

.350 (35-100)     3FG%    .319 (30-94)

.737 (42-57)      FT%   .734 (47-64)

141 (34-107)    REB (OR-DR)    140 (43-97)

69      AST     54

40      TO    41

51    PTS off TO      42

99    BENCH PTS      51

May 9, 2019 at Saskatchewan: Niagara 99, Saskatchewan 97

Leading scorers: Niagara (G. Payen-Boucard, 19), Saskatchewan (T. Dawson, 29)

Leading rebounders: Niagara (G. Payen-Boucard, 9), Saskatchewan (T. Dawson, 12)

May 24, 2019 at Saskatchewan: Niagara 108, Saskatchewan 91

Leading scorers: Niagara (N. Mitrovic, 18), Saskatchewan (T. Dawson / B. Massey, 19)

Leading rebounders: Niagara (D. Pinson, 13), Saskatchewan (T. Dawson / B. Massey, 9)

June 21, 2019 at Niagara: Niagara 94, Saskatchewan 83

Leading scorers: Niagara (T. Bell-Haynes, 20), Saskatchewan (T. Dawson, 22)

Leading rebounders: Niagara (D. Pinson, 13), Saskatchewan (A. Campbell, 8)