River Lions earn third straight win

The Niagara River Lions are a perfect fit for Philip Scrubb, on and off the court.

The 28-year-old native of Richmond, B.C., planned to spend time in St. Catharines this summer with his fiancé, Holy Cross graduate and former Carlton Ravens women’s basketball player Alex Trivieri, when he took a call from River Lions head coach Victor Raso asking if he would be interested in suiting up for the club.

Toss in that Scrubb played with Raso and River Lions forward Guillaume Payen-Boucard at Carleton, and the decision was a no-brainer.

“I finished the year in France and I kept in touch with Victor throughout the year,” Scrubb said. “It just worked out. I took some time off after our season (in France).”

Scrubb finished his season with Limoges of the France-Jeep Elite Pro A, where he averaged 11.9 points, 4.5 assists, 2.1 rebounds in 34 games.

Scrubb made his debut with the River Lions earlier this week, scoring three points and dishing out five assists in just under 17 minutes of playing time in an 86-69 win over the Saskatchewan Rattlers.

Scrubb played more of a prominent role Saturday, scoring 12 points and dishing out eight assists in just over 18 minutes of work as the River Lions defeated the Ottawa Black Jacks 94-92 before the maximum permitted 1,000 fans at Meridian Centre.

Scrubb’s initial impression of the Canadian Elite Basketball League and the River Lions has been positive.

“I know it’s a good league, a lot of good players come and play in the summer and a lot of players want to play in this league,” he said. “I knew it would be a high level. It’s very competitive and physical, which is good, so I’m happy playing with the River Lions. We have a lot of good, unselfish players so it’s been fun so far.”

Scrubb, who is regarded as an elite playmaker who can also score, is most comfortable at point guard, but is willing to play any role for Niagara.

“It depends on the team, I want to come in and fit with a team however they need me,” said Scrubb, who played five years at Carleton during which time the Ravens complied 102-3 record. “This team has a lot of talent already so I don’t need to come in a take over. I can handle the ball a little bit, organize the offence, and play hard on defence. I think that’s all the team needs.”

The game action, Scrubb said, is also a great way to prepare for next season in Europe.

“It’s a good thing to have leading up to training camp in Europe. You’re coming in in really good shape and I think that’s really important for guys to get to the team in shape and ready to play and making a good first impression if you are going to a new team.”

Scrubb plans to go back to Europe somewhere next season, although the exact destination is still to be determined.

“I’m open to anything. We’ll see how the next two or three weeks go,” he said. “I’m just looking for the right situation. I’m not too focused on what country right now.”

Scrubb has a long and varied career in Europe suiting up for teams in Greece, Russia, Germany and Spain.

“Every team I’ve been on it’s been really professional,” he said. “You get most things taken care of so you just have to focus on taking care of your body and playing.”

The River Lions led 84-81 heading into the final four minutes of play which meant 93 was the target score as per ELAM rules. Scrubb had a hand in the winning basket when he dished off to Payen-Boucard for an easy layup.

The victory was Niagara’s third straight win and improved their record to 6-3 with five games remaining in the regular season.

“From a general manager perspective, I have to keep tabs on that (playoffs), but it’s game by game with these guys and we are well within reach of a top two seed,” Raso said. “If we win the rest of our games, we can be a one or two seed.”

Niagara led 21-18 after the first quarter, 49-44 at the half and 72-70 after three quarters.

Niagara’s Xavier Sneed, who led the club with 18 points, said the playing in front of so many fans was a key factor.

“Any game you get to play with fans, they get to feel our energy, we get to feel their energy,” he said. “It’s just a great experience.

“We’ve had a great homestand here so far and hopefully we can keep the record going.”

River Lions ramblings: Brock University men’s basketball coach Willy Manigat is the Director of Regional Scouting for the BlackJacks . . . Niagara coach Victor Raso celebrated birthday No. 31 Saturday.

STATS PACK

River Lions 94 BlackJacks 92

BPSN Player of the Game: Niagara’s Xavier Sneed with 18 points, four assists and two rebounds.

For the Niagara River Lions: Sneed 18; Javin DeLaurier 17; Daniel Millings 13; Philip Scrubb 12; Guillaume Payen-Boucard 12.

For the Ottawa BlackJacks: Nick Ward 28; Dominique Archie 20.

Game stats: Rebounds: River Lions 38, BlackJacks 37. Field goal percentage: River Lions 58 per cent, BlackJacks 54.8 per cent. Turnovers: River Lions 14, BlackJacks 20. Free throws: River Lions 18-23, BlackJacks 22-21.

Attendance: 1,000 (maximum permitted).

Up next: The River Lions host Guelph Friday, July 30 at 7 p.m.

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