CALGARY, AB (Interstat) — The Niagara River Lions visit the Calgary Surge on Friday at WinSport Event Centre in a Canadian Elite Basketball League matchup that carries playoff implications.

Niagara (11-14) enters the game after a 106-102 victory over Ottawa on July 26. Calgary (13-16) dropped its most recent contest, 100-89 at Edmonton on the same date.

The two teams split their two meetings this season. Calgary won 76-88 at Niagara on June 3, while Niagara prevailed 79-73 at Calgary on Aug. 24, 2025. The all-time series is tied 1-1 in 2025-26, with Calgary’s 94-76 win at home on Aug. 10, 2025 the most lopsided.

Players to watch

Niagara guard Khalil Ahmad has been the River Lions’ most consistent scorer. In his last eight games, Ahmad has averaged 22.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists while playing at least 30 minutes per contest. He posted 31 points, six rebounds and six assists in the win over Ottawa on July 26. Ahmad has scored at least 15 points in every game since July 4, including a 28-point performance against Montreal on July 12.

Calgary forward Sean Miller-Moore leads the Surge’s attack. Over his last eight games, Miller-Moore has averaged 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He scored 18 points in the loss at Edmonton on July 26 and had 21 points against Saskatoon on July 19. Miller-Moore has reached double figures in every contest since July 3.

Recent trends

Niagara has won three of its last four games, with the lone loss a 82-75 defeat at Scarborough on July 24. The River Lions are 5-5 in their last 10 contests. Calgary has dropped two of its last three, including a 116-99 home loss to Saskatoon on July 19. The Surge are 4-6 in their last 10.

Series history

The two teams have played three times since August 2025, with Calgary holding a 2-1 edge. In the most recent head-to-head meeting on June 3, Calgary won 88-76 at Niagara behind a balanced attack. The Surge have won both games played in Calgary, while Niagara’s lone win came at home on Aug. 24, 2025.

Game details

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. MT. The game is the second of three meetings between the teams this season. Both squads are fighting for playoff positioning in the CEBL’s Western Conference.

Niagara will rely on its backcourt depth, with point guard Munis Tutu contributing 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the win over Ottawa. Calgary will look to guard Sincere Carry, who recorded 12 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists against Edmonton.

The Surge have struggled defensively of late, allowing 100 or more points in three of their last four losses. Niagara has scored at least 90 points in six of its last seven games.