Niagara River Lions Clinch CEBL Championship in Thrilling Final

The Niagara River Lions secured their second consecutive Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship on March 15, 2024, defeating the Calgary Surge 79-73 in a thrilling final held at the Canada Life Centre. Star guard Khalil Ahmad, dubbed ‘The Lion King,’ played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring crucial points during the decisive moments of the game.

Ahmad’s performance in the championship game solidified his status as a key player in the league. Drawing a foul during the Target Score Time, he converted both free throw attempts, sealing the victory for the River Lions. “He’s the greatest player to ever have played in this league,” said Victor Raso, head coach of the River Lions. “He’s the best player to ever play in this league.”

This championship marks a historic achievement for Niagara, placing them alongside the Edmonton Stingers as the only teams in CEBL history to win back-to-back titles. Ahmad’s success is particularly notable as he has now scored five consecutive Target Score winners in post-season play since last year when he hit a game-winning floater against the Vancouver Bandits.

Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Ahmad expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by his teammates. “It means a lot, it means the world,” he said. The 28-year-old Californian was once again named Finals MVP, a testament to his exceptional contributions during the tournament.

Despite the accolades, the game itself was marked by strong defensive efforts. The River Lions held Calgary’s standout guards, Evan Gilyard Jr. and Jameer Nelson Jr., to just 13 points each, while also limiting regular season scoring leader Greg Brown III to nine points. This defensive strategy was a key factor in the team’s success, according to Coach Raso. “We were thoughtful on every defensive possession and we just kind of forced them to play to their weaknesses instead of playing to their strengths,” he noted.

The final was the lowest-scoring championship game in CEBL history, showcasing the defensive resilience of the River Lions. Despite trailing by 16 points late in the third quarter, Calgary fought back but ultimately fell short. “There’s no moral victories for us. Our goal was to win the championship, and we came up short,” said Calgary head coach Kaleb Canales.

With this championship, the River Lions demonstrated their growth and resilience as a team. Kimbal Mackenzie, a key player for Niagara, noted the pressure that accompanies such high-stakes moments. “Honestly, it’s getting a little bit ridiculous at this point,” he said, praising Ahmad’s knack for performing under pressure.

The event drew a notable crowd of 7,129 fans to the downtown Winnipeg arena, illustrating the growing support for basketball in the region. The atmosphere was electric as fans celebrated the culmination of the season. “It was probably the best, most first-class championship weekend we’ve had,” Raso remarked, highlighting the significance of the setting.

As the River Lions celebrate their achievement, they look forward to the future with the goal of continuing their success in the CEBL. The championship not only cements their legacy but also sets the stage for the next season, where they will aim to defend their title once again.