CEBL: Blackjacks at Shooting Stars preview

SCARBOROUGH, Ontario (Interstat) — The Ottawa Blackjacks visit the Scarborough Shooting Stars on Friday in a Canadian Elite Basketball League matchup at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.

Scarborough (10-2) enters as one of the league’s top teams, while Ottawa (6-8) looks to end a two-game skid. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. ET.

Players to watch

Ottawa forward Matthew Cleveland has been productive despite recent losses. Over his past five games, Cleveland has averaged 26.6 points and 8.0 rebounds, including a 35-point, 10-rebound double-double in a 114-105 win over Fraser Valley on June 2. In Ottawa’s 96-94 loss at Saskatoon on Monday, Cleveland posted 29 points and 11 rebounds.

Scarborough guard Myles Powell has been consistent in the Shooting Stars’ seven-game winning streak. Powell has scored at least 27 points in four of his past five outings, highlighted by a 33-point, four-assist effort in a 108-105 win at Fraser Valley on Monday. He also contributed 29 points and eight rebounds in a win at Calgary on May 28.

Recent results

Ottawa dropped a 96-94 decision at Saskatoon on Monday despite Cleveland’s double-double and 25 points from guard Javonte Smart. The Blackjacks have lost four of their past five.

Scarborough defeated Fraser Valley 108-105 on Monday for their seventh straight victory. Powell led the way, with forward Frank Mitchell adding 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Series implications

The teams meet again Tuesday in Ottawa and twice more in July. Scarborough currently sits atop the Eastern Conference standings, while Ottawa is in the middle of the pack.

Both teams play Sunday: Scarborough hosts Niagara, and Ottawa hosts Saskatoon.