The birthday boy came through and the Fraser Valley Bandits clinched a spot in at least the playoffs, winning in front of a raucous crowd at Langley Events Centre.

This win was OUT OF THIS WORLD. 🛸#IAmValley x #OurGame pic.twitter.com/ZvQKthiRBw

— Fraser Valley Bandits (@FVBandits) July 17, 2022

James Karnik–who was celebrating his 24th birthday–delivered the decisive points on a spin move to the hoop, converting the bucket despite being fouled as the Bandits ended a season-high three game losing streak with a 95-88 victory over the visiting Ottawa BlackJacks at Langley Events Centre on Sunday afternoon.

James Karnik celebrated his birthday with 23 points, nine rebounds as the Fraser Valley Bandits downed the visiting Ottawa BlackJacks at Langley Events Centre on Sunday, July 17. (CEBL)

The win improves Fraser Valley to 10-7 on the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season – while Ottawa saw their record drop to 5-11 – and it clinches a postseason berth for the Bandits.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Ottawa Blackjacks down Fraser Valley Bandits

Bandits held Ottawa to 30 first-half points, building a 47-30 lead and trailing just once – 63-62 in the third quarter – in the game.

“The guys put forth a great defensive effort,” said Fraser Valley coach Mike Taylor, who singled out Alex Campbell specifically for his effort in guarding Ottawa’s Deng Adel.

“Adel has played fantastic basketball against us the first two games, scoring a lot of points, but Alex just responded really well to the challenge; it starts with a leader like him, being committed to the defensive effort,” Taylor said. “And then the size and physicality of our team helps us.”

Bandits’ Point guard Marek Klassen finished with 10 assists to go along with seven points and six rebound as Fraser Valley ended their losing streak with a 95-88 victory over the visiting Ottawa BlackJacks at Langley Events Centre on Sunday, July 17. (CEBL)

With Campbell concentrating on defensive duties, the frontcourt duo of Thomas Kennedy (27 points, six rebounds) and Karnik (23 points, nine rebounds) combined for 50 points while Shane Gibson had 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. Point guard Marek Klassen finished with 10 assists to go along with seven points and six rebounds.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Montreal Alliance snap losing streak at Fraser Valley Bandits expense

The victory ensures the Bandits will be playing in August once the regular season is over.

“This is what we have been talking about for the last three games. This is great for us: the vibe in the locker room, everyone is able to be happy with the situation but not complacent,” Karnik said. “We are happy with where we are at but ready to keep fighting.”

Score the game-winner on your birthday, get a pie in the face. 🤭

The team had a big surprise for @james_karnik after tonight's win. 🥧#IAmValley x #OurGame pic.twitter.com/fwR8CEo7dD

— Fraser Valley Bandits (@FVBandits) July 18, 2022

Next up for the Bandits are a pair of road games against the teams directly in front and behind them, as they visit the Niagara River Lions (11-4) on July 25, and then face the Scarborough Shooting Stars (8-6) on July 28.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Fraser Valley Bandits down Growlers

Fraser Valley hosts its final home game of the regular season on Saturday, July 30. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.