Ottawa BlackJacks Secure Second Win at Home

What better way to spend your Victoria Day evening than watching a win over the back-to-back reigning CEBL champions?

The Ottawa BlackJacks defeated the Niagara River Lions 91–85 on Monday, May 18, in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the wire in Target Score Time.

After a tough loss in Brampton on Friday, May 15, the BlackJacks returned home to begin a crucial stretch that sees them play three games in one week.

“The next stretch is gonna be big for us,” said Javonte Smart, the BlackJacks’ franchise record holder for points. “We’re trying to knock all these home games out.”

When asked about the secret to success during a homestand, Smart emphasized the importance of staying focused one game at a time. “I just win that day. Every day we’re in the gym, I’m learning, preparing for the next game. We just take it one game at a time,” he said.



Smart finished the night with 21 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. He now sits just 15 points shy of 500 career CEBL points in only his second season in the league.

He also currently holds the second-highest single-game scoring performance in CEBL history. When asked when he plans to top it, Smart responded confidently: “I promise you, it’s coming soon. I said this game, but I think next game, I’ll probably get it.”

While Smart continues to shine, fellow G League talent Matthew Cleveland is quickly emerging as another star for Ottawa. In his first professional season, Cleveland is averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists through his first three games with the BlackJacks.

“When MC locks into a certain mode, there’s no stopping him,” said Head Coach Justin Mazzulla. “We’re gonna continue to get him in that mode.”

Cleveland posted 22 points and 14 rebounds against Niagara, including 11 defensive boards. His impact on both ends of the floor continues to be a major asset for Ottawa.

“Defensive rebounds is the only way you can finish with a stop,” said Cleveland. “So just putting focus on that end.”

The BlackJacks now turn their attention to a quick rematch against the Brampton Honey Badgers as the homestand continues.

“They got a bunch of good dynamic guards. You can’t let them get going too early,” said Cleveland. “The key is honing in on them.”

Ottawa faced Brampton just days earlier, but Mazzulla believes the short turnaround gives his team an opportunity to adjust and improve.

“We have the film. We’re gonna learn from the experiences that we endured as a team,” said Mazzulla.