The Saskatchewan Rattlers will host the Montréal Alliance this Saturday for a highly anticipated cross-conference matchup.

The game will tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. Live coverage will be available on CEBL+, TSN+, and the CEBL mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The game will also be broadcast nationally on Game+ and available on NLSE in the United States.

A Renewed Determination for the Alliance

After a tough 95-75 loss to the Vancouver Bandits last Thursday, the Montréal Alliance enters this game with renewed determination. The team is eager to secure their first win of the season and demonstrate their resilience.

Ahmed Hill: A Player to Watch

The Rattlers will need to keep a close eye on Ahmed Hill, the star guard of the Alliance. Hill is coming off an outstanding 2023 season, where he averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He was named to the All-CEBL Second Team and was Montréal’s Offensive Player of the Year. Hill possesses a versatile offensive skill set, capable of creating his own shot, spotting up for three-pointers, or driving to the basket. Defensively, he’s not afraid to take on the challenge of guarding the opponent's best players or forcing turnovers. He is just 18 points away from reaching 1,000 career regular season points, which would make him the first player in CEBL history to achieve this milestone.

Chris Smith: A New Force for the Alliance

Montréal has also bolstered its roster with former NBA G League player, Chris Smith. In the last game against the Bandits, Smith led the team with 18 points and added nine rebounds. He showcased his ability to stretch the floor, hitting 66% of his three-point attempts and 80% of his two-point shots. His dynamic play and constant presence on the court highlight his importance to the team this year.

Alain Louis: A Rising Leader

Alain Louis, the local guard for the Alliance, is just one assist away from reaching 200 career regular season assists. He currently ranks fifth all-time in CEBL regular season assists. Louis, now a starter after two seasons as a backup, has proven his worth as the team’s primary playmaker.

The Rattlers' Key Player

However, the Rattlers have their own strong assets that the Alliance will need to monitor. Saskatchewan signed 6'5" guard Jalen Harris during the offseason. Harris has notable experience in the NBA, NBA G League, CEBL, Italy, and Puerto Rico. He played two seasons with the Scarborough Shooting Stars, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. In his recent debut with the Rattlers against the Winnipeg Sea Bears, Harris impressed with 23 points, four assists, and three rebounds.

Grant Basile: A Challenge for the Alliance

Saskatchewan also recruited 6'9" forward Grant Basile. Alongside Harris, Basile shined against Winnipeg with 16 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 54% from the field. Basile’s size and athleticism will present a significant challenge for the Alliance.

Key Matchup: Hill vs. Harris

Fans should look forward to a clash of titans in this game: Ahmed Hill of the Montréal Alliance versus Jalen Harris of the Saskatchewan Rattlers. In their only meeting last season, Hill excelled with 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Jalen Harris, coming off a great game against Winnipeg, will be looking to maintain his high level of play. For either team to secure a victory, they will need to find ways to slow down or stop these key players from taking control of the game.

Milestone Watch

Montréal’s Ahmed Hill is 18 points away from hitting 1,000 regular season points.

Alain Louis is one assist away from reaching 200 regular season assists.

2023 Season Series



Montréal defeated Saskatchewan 88-79 in their only meeting on June 28, 2023. The Alliance hopes to replicate this success and secure their first victory of the season against the Rattlers on Saturday night.