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 star, secured the victory with a three-pointer 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 out of 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 for guiding Winnipeg to victory despite the absence of injured forward Teddy Allen. Moon expressed his joy at winning in a city that had never before won a playoff game, emphasizing the significance of this championship.
Jelani Watson-Gayle, a guard for the Sea Bears, impressed with five three-pointers off the bench, while Hildebrandt added four threes and scored 24 points. Sean East II led the Honey Badgers with 27 points, supported by Trentyn Flowers with 20 points. Brampton trailed at halftime but couldn’t catch up in the final quarter.
Head coach Mike Raimbault expressed his happiness for the team and the organization, emphasizing the deserving nature of the championship win. The championship series was initially planned as a three-game event but reverted to a single-game format due to scheduling constraints after the first game was affected by court conditions. The Sea Bears overcame obstacles to reach the final, while the Honey Badgers aimed to secure their second title after their 2022 victory.
Both teams faced challenges and showcased resilience throughout the playoffs, with Moon’s leadership and clutch performances playing a crucial role in Winnipeg’s historic triumph. Despite the disappointment of the loss, East II acknowledged the progress made by the Brampton team and remained optimistic about their achievements.