The Winnipeg Sea Bears have clinched their first Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) title by defeating the Brampton Honey Badgers 98-84 in the league’s championship game. Simon Hildebrandt, a local hero, sealed the victory with a three-pointer as the Sea Bears set a target score of 97 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 for four from beyond the arc, and contributing seven rebounds and six assists. Moon, who returned to the CEBL after a five-year absence, earned his third Finals MVP accolade, helping Winnipeg overcome the absence of the injured star forward Teddy Allen.
“I’m thrilled to be back in this setting. Winning is familiar to me, but achieving it in a city that had not won a playoff game before holds special significance,” Moon expressed. “This victory is more meaningful than my first one. I’m genuinely happy for my teammates and the city of Winnipeg.”
Jelani Watson-Gayle, a guard for the Sea Bears, impressed with five three-pointers off the bench. Hildebrandt also made significant contributions with four threes and 24 points. Meanwhile, 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 at the end of the third quarter.
Coach Mike Raimbault of the Sea Bears expressed his joy for the team’s achievement, stating, “I’m delighted for everyone celebrating today. The organization truly deserved this championship.”
Originally planned as a three-game series, the CEBL championship was reduced to a single-game format due to court condensation issues in the first game at Brampton’s CAA Centre, leading to its cancellation. The Sea Bears emerged victorious after defeating the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits in the West playoffs, while the Honey Badgers overcame the Ottawa BlackJacks and Niagara River Lions in the East playoffs to reach the final.
The Honey Badgers, aiming for their second CEBL title after winning in 2022, showed resilience despite falling short. East II remarked, “We fought hard and turned the Brampton program around, so there’s something to be proud of despite the result.”