AP Sports Preview

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario (Interstat) — The Scarborough Shooting Stars, owners of the best record in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, visit the Niagara River Lions on Friday at Meridian Centre.

Scarborough (16-3) has won eight of its past nine games, including a 99-95 victory at Hamilton on July 5. The Shooting Stars boast a potent offense led by point guard Kellen Tynes, who averaged 10.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists over his past five appearances.

Tynes logged 32 minutes in the win over Hamilton, posting 18 points, three rebounds and six assists. He also recorded six assists in a 97-84 win at Montreal on July 3 and contributed 11 points, four rebounds and five assists in an 82-69 home victory against Hamilton on June 27.

Niagara (6-12) has lost four straight, including an 86-77 home defeat to Ottawa on July 4. Small forward Jordan Tchuente led the River Lions in that game with 15 points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes. He also scored two points in a 92-69 loss at Ottawa on June 28.

The teams have met twice this season, both won by Scarborough. The Shooting Stars defeated Niagara 75-69 on June 21 and 104-93 on June 10. Scarborough also beat the River Lions 81-64 on Aug. 3, 2025.

Scarborough’s depth was evident in its most recent outing. In addition to Tynes, guard Myles Powell scored 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, and forward Frank Mitchell recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Niagara has struggled defensively, allowing 92 or more points in five of its past six games. The River Lions’ only win during that stretch came June 15 against Hamilton, 101-84.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Scarborough will return home to host Edmonton on July 16, while Niagara faces Montreal at home on July 12.