Tonight’s game completes the first quarter of the season for the Cape Breton Highlanders professional basketball team, and the first of a back-to-back matchup at home against Atlantic Division opponent Moncton Magic. This game was originally scheduled for December 31 and those tickets are still valid for tonight’s game.

This is the third of eight meetings between these teams this season. The Highlanders will look to even the season series with a pair of wins at home. The previous two games were played in Moncton at the end of November, and the Magic were able to win both those games by the scores of 112 - 94 and 112 - 111. This is the 11th meeting all-time between the Highlanders and a team from Moncton, after re-branding themselves as the Magic from last year’s Miracles. The Highlanders had a 3-5 record against Moncton last year, with all three wins coming at Centre 200.

The Highlanders are looking to get back in the win column after a very exciting afternoon game on Sunday against the Niagara River Lions. Great team play excelled the Highlanders to a 10-point lead at the half but the River Lions didn’t quit, forcing overtime and eventually taking the ball game 113 - 109. Cape Breton currently sits in 5th in the Atlantic Division, with an overall record of 2-7, despite having a good offensive team. The Magic are 2nd in the division, with a record of 5-5.

Fans, keep an eye out for Shane Osayande (#22) and Tydran Beaty (#8) of the Highlanders. Osayande accumulated 18 points with 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks last game against the River Lions. Beaty matched Osayande’s 18 points, getting 7 rebounds of his own and shooting 33% from beyond the arc. Bruce Massey (#1) will be playing his second game with the Highlanders this season, after making his debut on Sunday afternoon.

Moncton arrives with the NBL's all-time leading scorer, Anthony Anderson (nickname "double A"), who scored over 50 points the last time he was in Cape Breton.  Most recently, the team's leading scorer has been Dartmouth native, Terry Thomas, who is no stranger to playing against Cape Breton teams with his time at St. Francis Xavier University.

Moncton may see the return of starting centre Tim Mitchell this week. He will be a game-time decision, with the possibility of sitting tonight and playing tomorrow, due to the quick turnaround time in game times. Tomorrow’s game is a scheduled 11 AM start time, when some CBVRSB schools will be busing kids in for Youth Day. Proceeds from tomorrow's game will go to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Cape Breton - Whitney Pier Youth Club (WPYC).

The Highlanders have also announced roster changes ahead of tonight’s game. Jamal Reynolds dislocated a finger in the game against Niagara and is expected to be out of action for 4 to 6 weeks. Haakim Johnson has been moved to the Inactive List as he pursues an opportunity to play in Mexico. We wish him well in this endeavor.

NBL teams are allowed to have a roster of up to 12 active players and up to 3 inactive players. Players may be deemed inactive if they are injured, held in reserve, or needed for roster adjustments. This provides teams with the flexibility to adjust their rosters for planned or unforeseen events.

Tonight’s game starts at 7 PM, you can learn more about getting your tickets at highlandersbasketball.ca/tickets

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