LANGLEY, British Columbia (Interstat) — The Fraser Valley Bandits, aiming to solidify their standing atop the Canadian Elite Basketball League, host the Montreal Alliance on Friday at Langley Events Centre.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PT.

Fraser Valley (14-8) enters the contest riding a 112-94 victory Saturday at Edmonton, where center Tyrese Samuel recorded 17 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Samuel has posted three double-doubles in his past five outings, including a 20-point, 12-rebound effort July 3 against Edmonton and a 15-point, 10-rebound game July 5 versus Calgary.

Montreal (10-14) fell 90-87 on the road Sunday at Niagara despite 22 points from guard Keeshawn Barthelemy. Forward Kevin Osawe added 16 points and eight rebounds in that loss. Osawe has been a consistent presence, averaging 13.7 points and 6.1 rebounds over his last seven games, with a 19-point, 10-rebound performance July 8 at Ottawa.

The Bandits have split their past six games and own the league’s second-best record. They will look to exploit a Montreal defense that has surrendered 100 or more points in three of its last four losses.

The Alliance have dropped four of their last five contests, including a 104-77 defeat at Ottawa on July 8. Montreal’s offense has fluctuated, scoring 92 or more in three wins this month but failing to reach 80 in two losses.

Friday’s matchup is the first of two meetings this season between the clubs; they will meet again July 28 in Montreal.

After Friday, the Bandits travel to Calgary on Tuesday, July 21, and Winnipeg on Thursday, July 23. The Alliance visit Winnipeg on Sunday, July 19.