BlackJacks ready for a quick reset before Rivalry game on Saturday

The Ottawa BlackJacks took a tough loss last night to the Brampton Honey Badgers. Despite being down by 20 in the 2nd quarter, the game ended 93-90 showing the BlackJacks grit coming out of the half-time break.

“We did a lot of great things that 2nd half. We showed what it takes to be a team,” said Head Coach Justin Mazzulla. “We're gonna take that, and then we're gonna run with it, and then we're gonna build off of it even more.”

With one minute left on the clock in the 3rd quarter the BlackJacks went on an unstoppable run. Trailing by as many as 13 points that quarter, when the buzzer went off to end it, they were tied.

And of course, that run was thanks to the franchise record holder for points, Javonte Smart.

With two free throws, and a huge three-point shot from Smart, they were only down by two. Once Justin Harmon had the ball and was fouled, he had the chance to tie it up, and he did.

“That's what I do. I'm ready for the moment and, you know, they also know that,” said Smart. “So, I'm in that position for a reason.”

Tonight, also marked 500 CEBL-career points for Smart, in only 20 games played in the league.

“I'm proud to say I'm a scorer,” said Smart.

Smart ended the game with 27 points and eight assists.

With a nail-biting fourth quarter, the BlackJacks fought until the very end. In Target Score Time it came down until the last possession, which the Honey Badgers took.

Despite their first loss at home, coach Mazzulla made sure to still take the team to center court to clap for the fans. An important post-game ritual he’s taken to.

“These fans show up, through and through, and our job is to show up for them,” said Mazzulla.

With a quick turnaround to their next game against Montreal, the BlackJacks will be suiting up less than 48 hours later. Their focus for this game: building off the things they’re doing right.

The Rivalry Game against Montreal will happen on Saturday, May 23 at 7pm.

Shakur Daniel has roots in Montreal, playing for the Tundra of the Basketball Super League.

When asked about his history with the game in Montreal, and what that means when the city comes to Ottawa he laughed and said “That don’t mean anything to me. We’re gonna get the win. Ottawa all the way.”