Winnipeg Hosts Calgary Sunday With a Playoff Spot on the Line

The Sea Bears (11-5) haven't had much time to celebrate Thursday's finish. Playing without Trevon Scott, Trey McGowens, and a mid-game Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. ejection, Winnipeg leaned on its depth, absorbed the adversity, and closed it out with Simon Hildebrandt knocking down the go-ahead shot to seal a 97-93 win. Now they get a chance to make it mean even more. Beat the Calgary Surge on Sunday, and the Sea Bears punch their ticket to the playoffs. Winnipeg is already 2-0 against Calgary this season, and this group knows how to close things out.

Head Coach Mike Raimbault isn't spending energy on what-if scenarios. "The process of trying to grow and get better is much more at the forefront of what we're trying to do," he said. "I don't spend a lot of time trying to forecast the future or where things will be at, and I try to control the things that are controllable."

The pieces are in place. Teddy Allen poured in 33 points and dished 7 assists Thursday, Hildebrandt was brilliant with 21 points and the game-winner, and Mason Kraus delivered nine composed points in his first career professional start. This is a team that has proven it can win different ways, with different lineups, against different challenges. Seven home games, seven wins. First in the Western Conference. The next step is right in front of them.

"What we try to focus on are the details of what we're going to have to do on Sunday to be successful," Raimbault said, "and just try to take everything one possession at a time."

Sunday is also the Teddy Bear Toss. Bring a new teddy bear to throw onto the court at halftime, or pick up a Sea Bears teddy bear for $34.99 — $5 from every Sea Bears teddy bear purchased goes to the Children's Hospital. Tip-off at Canada Life Centre is at 2:30 PM. Get your tickets here.