ST. CATHARINES, Ontario (Interstat) — Tyrese Samuel recorded 29 points and 14 rebounds to power the Fraser Valley Bandits to a 110-100 victory over the Niagara River Lions on Friday at Meridian Centre. Fraser Valley built a commanding 29-8 lead after the first quarter, then withstood a furious Niagara rally in the fourth period. The Bandits led 46-33 at halftime and extended the margin to 65-46 after three quarters before Niagara outscored them 31-24 in the final frame.

Jalen House contributed 15 points and 13 assists for Fraser Valley, while Miller Kopp added 18 points. Dominic Parolin scored 14 points off the bench. For Niagara, Donald Carey had 15 points and five assists, Curtis Hollis scored 12 points and Keonte Kennedy added 13 points. Jordan Tchuente chipped in 11 points.

The win improved the Bandits to 7-2 on the Canadian Elite Basketball League season. Niagara dropped to 3-5. Fraser Valley next plays at Hamilton on Saturday.