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. Simon Hildebrandt, a local favorite, sealed the victory with a three-pointer in front of a record-breaking crowd of 12,519 at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, with the target score set at 97.
Xavier Moon, a three-time CEBL MVP, led the Sea Bears with 29 points, shooting three for four from beyond the arc, in addition to contributing seven rebounds and six assists. Moon, who returned to the CEBL this season after a five-year hiatus, earned his third Finals MVP accolade, guiding Winnipeg to success despite the absence of injured star forward Teddy Allen.
“I’m thrilled to be back in this environment. Winning in a city that has never experienced playoff success holds special meaning for me,” Moon expressed. “This championship is particularly significant, and I am genuinely happy for my teammates and the people of Winnipeg.”
Jelani Watson-Gayle of the Sea Bears showcased an impressive performance off the bench, sinking five three-pointers, while Hildebrandt added four threes to his tally of 24 points. On the opposing side, Sean East II led the Honey Badgers with 27 points, supported by Trentyn Flowers’ 20 points. The Honey Badgers trailed 46-42 at halftime and 73-60 going into the final quarter.
Mike Raimbault, the Sea Bears’ new head coach, commended the team’s effort, stating, “I am extremely pleased with the championship win. The entire organization truly deserved this victory.”
Initially planned as a three-game series ending on Sunday, the CEBL championship faced disruptions due to court condensation during the first game in Brampton, leading to its cancellation. Consequently, the league reverted to a single-game format, which had been used to determine the champion from 2019 to 2025, following consultations with both teams.
The Sea Bears, finishing second in the Western Conference, triumphed over the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits in the West playoffs to secure their spot in the final showdown. Meanwhile, the Honey Badgers, claiming the second spot in the Eastern Conference, overcame the Ottawa BlackJacks and Niagara River Lions in the East playoffs to reach the championship match.
Although the Honey Badgers were aiming for their second CEBL title after their 2022 victory when the franchise was based in Hamilton, they fell short in their quest this time. East II acknowledged the team’s effort, remarking, “We battled through adversity. While the outcome wasn’t as desired, we successfully revitalized the Brampton program, and that is a significant achievement to celebrate.”