The Winnipeg Sea Bears clinched their first Canadian Elite Basketball League title by defeating the Brampton Honey Badgers 98-84 in the league’s single-game championship on Saturday. The decisive moment came when local star Simon Hildebrandt sank a three-pointer, securing victory in front of a record 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 for four from beyond the arc, and contributing seven rebounds and six assists. Moon, who returned to the CEBL this season after a five-year absence, earned his third Finals MVP accolade, playing a pivotal role in Winnipeg’s triumph despite the absence of injured forward Teddy Allen.
Moon expressed his joy at winning in a city that had never experienced a playoff victory before, emphasizing the special significance of this achievement. Jelani Watson-Gayle stood out for the Sea Bears by making five three-pointers off the bench, while Hildebrandt added four threes and concluded the game with 24 points.
On the opposing side, Sean East II led the Honey Badgers with 27 points, supported by Trentyn Flowers with 20 points. Despite trailing at halftime and heading into the final quarter, Brampton fell short against the Sea Bears. Mike Raimbault, the Sea Bears’ new head coach, praised the organization’s dedication, highlighting their well-deserved championship win.
Originally planned as a three-game series, the CEBL championship had to revert to a single-game format due to unforeseen circumstances in the first game, leading to Winnipeg’s ultimate victory. While the Honey Badgers sought their second title after winning in 2022, the Sea Bears’ journey to becoming champions included victories over the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits in the playoffs.
Reflecting on the season, East II acknowledged the team’s efforts in overcoming challenges and acknowledged the positive impact they had in reshaping the Brampton program.