ST. CATHARINES, Ontario (Interstat) — The Fraser Valley Bandits, boasting the best record in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, visit the Niagara River Lions on Friday night at the Meridian Centre.

Fraser Valley (6-2 overall) has won two straight, including a 111-101 victory over Calgary on Sunday. The Bandits are averaging 110.3 points across their eight games, fueled by a balanced offense led by guard Jalen House. In the win against Calgary, House logged 38 minutes, scoring 27 points with two rebounds and nine assists. Two nights earlier against Edmonton, he exploded for 32 points, seven rebounds and 17 assists in a 111-88 triumph.

House has been a consistent force, averaging 28.7 points over his past three outings while shooting efficiently. He will be the primary focus of a Niagara defense that has shown improvement of late.

Niagara (3-4) enters on a two-game winning streak after an 87-72 road win at Montreal on Tuesday. Guard Donald Carey paced the River Lions with 17 points, three rebounds and seven assists in 32 minutes. He followed a 16-point, three-assist effort in a 101-99 win at Edmonton on May 24. Carey has averaged 16 points over his last three games while distributing effectively.

The River Lions have struggled with consistency, dropping three of four prior to their current streak. In their most recent loss, a 71-97 defeat at Winnipeg on May 22, Niagara managed just 35.6% shooting from the field. However, the team has tightened defensively, holding Montreal to 72 points on Tuesday.

Fraser Valley’s frontcourt also poses a challenge. Center Tyrese Samuel posted 21 points and 10 rebounds in the Calgary win, while guard Jarkel Joiner added 22 points and seven assists.

The Bandits are seeking to build momentum ahead of a back-to-back Saturday at Hamilton. Niagara, meanwhile, looks to continue its climb above .500 before hosting Calgary on June 3.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EDT.