The Winnipeg Sea Bears clinched their first Canadian Elite Basketball League championship by defeating the Brampton Honey Badgers 98-84 in the league’s single-game championship showdown on Saturday. Simon Hildebrandt, a local standout, sealed the victory with a three-pointer, delighting the record audience 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 impressively from beyond the arc and contributing seven rebounds and six assists. Moon, who returned to the CEBL after a five-year absence, received his third Finals MVP accolade for his pivotal role in Winnipeg’s triumph despite the absence of the injured star forward Teddy Allen.
Reflecting on the historic win, Moon expressed his joy at achieving success in a city that had never won a playoff game before. Jelani Watson-Gayle, a Sea Bears guard, made a significant impact off the bench with five three-pointers, while Hildebrandt also contributed with four threes and 24 points.
On the opposing side, Sean East II led the Honey Badgers with 27 points, supported by Trentyn Flowers’ 20 points. Despite trailing at halftime and heading into the final quarter, Brampton could not overcome the Sea Bears’ dominance.
Head coach Mike Raimbault praised his team’s efforts, emphasizing the organization’s well-deserved championship victory. The league initially planned for a three-game series but reverted to a single-game format due to unforeseen circumstances, culminating in the Sea Bears’ triumphant moment.
Both teams had navigated through intense playoffs to reach the final, with the Sea Bears overcoming the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits, and the Honey Badgers besting the Ottawa BlackJacks and Niagara River Lions.
Although the Honey Badgers fell short in their quest for a second CEBL title, East II acknowledged the team’s resilience and progress. The Sea Bears’ victory marked a significant milestone in the league’s history, solidifying their place as the newest champions.