Niagara River Lions Clinch Back-to-Back CEBL Titles in Thrilling Win

UPDATE: The Niagara River Lions have secured their second consecutive Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship, defeating the Calgary Surge 79-73 in a nail-biting final at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on July 16, 2023. This victory cements their status as back-to-back champions, following last year’s dramatic win against the Vancouver Bandits.

In a match filled with tension, Khalil Ahmad emerged as the star, scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds to earn Finals MVP honors. His leadership was pivotal as the River Lions, who finished the season with a modest 14-10 record, rallied to secure the title. Alongside Ahmad, Nathan Cayo contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while Ahmed Hill added 13 points and six rebounds.

The River Lions, under the guidance of head coach Victor Raso, faced a difficult season but found their rhythm just in time for the playoffs. “It feels incredible. It really does,” Raso expressed after the game. “This one, for these guys, it just cemented them.” His praise for Ahmad was unequivocal: “He’s the greatest player to ever play in this league.”

The Surge, who were riding a seven-game winning streak, were led by Sean Miller-Moore, who scored 19 points but couldn’t propel his team to victory. The emotional toll of the loss was evident as Miller-Moore reflected, “Every loss is a heartbreak… it hurt more, but we were a good team all season.”

As the River Lions held a commanding 42-36 lead at halftime and extended it to 63-51 heading into the final quarter, the Surge tightened the gap to just three points at 70-67 during Target Score Time. However, Niagara’s experience and determination shone through as they clinched the victory.

This championship marks a historic achievement, as the River Lions join the 2020-2021 Edmonton Stingers as the only teams in CEBL history to win back-to-back titles. The emotional weight of the game was amplified by the presence of Chad Posthumus’s parents, who presented the championship trophy in honor of their son, a cherished figure in the league who passed away last November.

As the River Lions celebrate their championship win, the focus now shifts to the upcoming season. With a legacy of excellence solidified, fans and players alike are eager to see what the future holds for this remarkable team.

This thrilling victory not only showcases the talent and determination of the Niagara River Lions but also highlights the emotional connections that make sports so compelling. As fans take to social media to share their excitement, this championship win is sure to resonate throughout the CEBL community and beyond.