The Vancouver Bandits kicked off their road trip with a significant 110-100 victory against the Niagara River Lions on Friday, May 29, 2026. The win not only improved the Bandits' season record to 4-1, positioning them atop the Western Conference, but also overshadowed the River Lions' championship banner ceremony.

Tyrese Samuel delivered a stellar performance for the Bandits, leading the team with a season-high 29 points and 14 rebounds. The 6-foot-9 forward was highly efficient, making 9 of 10 shots from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. Head coach Kyle Julius commended Samuel's leadership and crucial role as the team's backbone. Guard Jaelen House also recorded his third double-double of the season, contributing 15 points and 13 assists.

The game started with an even 29-29 tie after the first quarter, but the Bandits created separation in the second, taking a 59-55 lead into halftime, with Samuel scoring 20 of his points in the first half. Vancouver's defense intensified in the third quarter, limiting the River Lions to just 14 points and culminating in a 14-6 run in the final five minutes of the frame. Miller Kopp was instrumental in this surge, sinking five three-pointers and finishing with 18 points, including a pivotal four-point play that extended the Bandits' lead to 80-69 heading into the final quarter.

The Bandits pushed their lead to as much as 18 points in the fourth quarter. Despite a late 11-2 run by the River Lions during 'target time,' Coquitlam native Dominic Parolin sealed the victory with a game-winning free throw, marking a career-high 14 points, along with seven rebounds and two steals. The contest also saw the debut of D’andre Davis, who was signed by the team earlier the same day.

Vancouver, now on a three-game winning streak, will continue their road trip on Saturday, May 30, facing the undefeated Brampton Honey Badgers (5-0) in the second of three away games.