Sea Bears Face Vancouver in Western Conference Final Saturday
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are Western Conference Finalists after making franchise history Thursday night with the first ever playoff win in Winnipeg's CEBL history. With a 99-88 victory over the Saskatoon Mamba, Winnipeg now heads west to face the Vancouver Bandits on Saturday, August 8, with tip-off set for 2:30 p.m. CT.
It is the furthest this franchise has ever gone, and the challenge ahead is the toughest yet. The Bandits are the CEBL's top-ranked team in the Western Conference. Veteran Mitch Creek anchors their lineup, Shamar Givance has taken ownership of the point guard role heading into the postseason, and Mychal Mulder has been shooting the ball at a high level over the last several games. Head coach Mike Raimbault is not underselling it. "There's no lack of talent on their side," he said Friday. "We know that we're going to have to play our best game."
With just two turnovers on the night and a 28-0 edge in points off turnovers, a lead held from start to finish despite player absences. Jelani Watson-Gayle scored 27, Xavier Moon added 20, and Isiah Osborne contributed 19 in a performance Raimbault called the team's most connected offensive effort of the season.
Controlling turnovers and limiting Vancouver in transition are the clear priorities heading into Saturday. "We have to take care of the ball, be organized in transition defence, and have the same commitment to scrambling, contesting, and running down rebounds," said Raimbault.
The quick turnaround, less than 48 hours between games, with a lengthy flight west in between is the reality of playoff basketball, and this group is taking it in stride. "We're pros," said Trey McGowens. "A lot of us are used to a schedule like that. The guys are fired up."
Sea Bears Nation, tune in Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT and cheer your Sea Bears on to the championship. Watch live on TSN, CBC and stream on CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca, TSN+, CBC YouTube, CEBL YouTube and CEBL+.