The Winnipeg Sea Bears clinched their first Canadian Elite Basketball League title by defeating the Brampton Honey Badgers 98-84 in the league’s championship game on Saturday. Simon Hildebrandt, a local favorite, sealed the victory with a three-pointer in front of a record crowd of 12,519 at Winnipeg’s Canada Life Centre. Xavier Moon, a three-time CEBL MVP, led the Sea Bears with 29 points, including three successful three-pointers, along with seven rebounds and six assists.
Moon, who returned to the CEBL after a five-year absence, earned his third Finals MVP award for his crucial role in Winnipeg’s triumph despite the absence of the injured star forward Teddy Allen. Moon expressed his joy at winning in a city that had never experienced playoff success before, emphasizing the significance of this victory for him and his teammates.
Jelani Watson-Gayle and Hildebrandt contributed significantly with three-pointers, scoring 24 and 27 points, respectively. On the opposing side, Sean East II led the Honey Badgers with 27 points, supported by Trentyn Flowers with 20 points. The Sea Bears’ head coach, Mike Raimbault, praised the organization for deserving the championship.
Originally planned as a three-game series, the championship was altered to a single-game format due to unforeseen circumstances in the first game. The Sea Bears advanced to the final by defeating the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits, while the Honey Badgers overcame the Ottawa BlackJacks and Niagara River Lions in the playoffs. Despite their defeat, East II acknowledged the progress and resilience of the Brampton team.
The Sea Bears’ victory marked a historic moment in the CEBL, solidifying their status as the new champions and capping off an intense and competitive season.
