The Winnipeg Sea Bears clinched their first Canadian Elite Basketball League championship by defeating the Brampton Honey Badgers 98-84 in the single-game final on Saturday. Simon Hildebrandt, a local favorite, sealed the victory with a crucial three-pointer in front of a record-breaking crowd of 12,519 at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.
Xavier Moon, a three-time CEBL MVP, led the Sea Bears with 29 points, shooting three out of four from beyond the arc, and contributed seven rebounds and six assists. Moon, who returned to the CEBL this season after a five-year absence, earned his third Finals MVP award, guiding Winnipeg to victory despite the absence of injured star forward Teddy Allen.
Moon expressed his joy about the win, emphasizing the significance of achieving this milestone in a city that had not won a playoff game before. Jelani Watson-Gayle, a guard for the Sea Bears, made an impact off the bench with five three-pointers, while Hildebrandt scored 24 points, including four three-pointers.
On the opposing side, Sean East II led the Honey Badgers with 27 points, supported by Trentyn Flowers with 20 points. Brampton trailed 46-42 at halftime and 73-60 going into the final quarter.
Sea Bears’ new head coach, Mike Raimbault, praised the team’s effort and acknowledged the organization’s deserving championship win. The CEBL originally planned a three-game championship series, but due to unforeseen circumstances during the first game, it was canceled, leading to a return to the single-game format.
The Honey Badgers, aiming for their second CEBL title after winning in 2022, were foiled by the Sea Bears’ impressive performance. Winnipeg overcame tough competition in the playoffs, defeating the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits in the West playoffs to secure their spot in the final.
Although disappointed with the outcome, East II acknowledged the progress made by the Brampton team and expressed pride in their achievements.
