Game Two: Ottawa’s perimeter defence, scoring runs stifle Shooting Stars

After a short burst of offence in the opening minutes, the Scarborough Shooting Stars (1–1) struggled mightily down the stretch against an Ottawa BlackJacks team (2–1) looking to get back in the win column.

Ottawa came away with the 93–82 win, who are coming off of a 97–76 blowout loss to the Montreal Alliance on May 28.

Point guard Cat Barber led the way for Scarborough with 30 points as he fought through tough perimeter defence and frequent double teams to get to the basket.

He was closely followed by Kameron Chatman’s 26 points with no other Shooting Star scoring in double digits.

Scarborough’s offence could not adapt to Ottawa’s defensive sets forcing turnovers that led to quick baskets on the other end. The Shoot Stars committed 28 turnovers compared to Ottawa’s 12.

The BlackJacks capitalized on 55 FG%, which included 17/28 from three.

Ottawa was led by Michael Flowers’ 22 points. In the first half alone, Flowers was 5/5 for 14 points. He finished the night with seven assists and two steals.

Other BlackJacks in double digits were Maxime Boursiquot with 18, Jackson Rowe with 15, Tyrell Tate with 11 and Kadre Gray with 11 points and 11 assists for the double-double.

Scarborough entered the second half down 56–38 before making a run to cut into the lead at 72–63 entering the final quarter.

Flowers had a relatively quiet second half before connecting on two crucial shots to help Ottawa inch closer to the target score of 93.

Barber and Chatman exchanged jump shots to get Scarborough within eight to make it 91–83 before Gray sealed Ottawa’s victory with a lay-up that counted after a goaltending call.

Scarborough’s stellar backcourt that led them in their 80–78 win on May 26 against the Brampton Honey Badgers was missing Jalen Harris.

The scoring guard is attending training camp for the Utah Jazz along with Honey Badgers guard Christian Vital.

CEBL play-by-play announcer Chuck Swirsky confirmed that Harris will be in the lineup for Scarborough’s home opener on June 2 at the Pan Am Centre.

Scarborough will host the Winnipeg Sea Bears, who won their inaugural game 90–85 against the Vancouver Bandits.

Then it’s one more home game against the Saskatchewan Rattlers on June 4 before the Shooting Stars head back on the road to visit the Niagara River Lions on June 8 and the Montreal Alliance on June 11.