The Winnipeg Sea Bears clinched their first Canadian Elite Basketball League title by defeating the Brampton Honey Badgers 98-84 in a thrilling single-game championship showdown. The decisive moment came when Simon Hildebrandt, a local favorite, sank a three-pointer with the target score at 97, in front of a record crowd of 12,519 at the Canada Life Centre.
Leading the charge for the Sea Bears was Xavier Moon, a three-time CEBL MVP, who tallied 29 points, including three successful three-pointers, along with seven rebounds and six assists. Moon, returning to the CEBL after a five-year hiatus, earned his third Finals MVP accolade for his stellar performance that helped Winnipeg overcome the absence of the injured star forward, Teddy Allen.
In a post-game interview, Moon expressed his joy at winning the championship in a city that had never witnessed a playoff victory before, emphasizing the special significance of this triumph. Jelani Watson-Gayle, coming off the bench, showcased his sharpshooting skills with five three-pointers, while Hildebrandt contributed with 24 points, including four three-point shots.
On the opposing side, Sean East II led the Honey Badgers with 27 points, supported by Trentyn Flowers who added 20 points. Despite trailing at halftime and heading into the final quarter, Brampton put up a valiant effort, with their aspirations falling short in the end.
The Sea Bears’ new head coach, Mike Raimbault, commended his team for their hard work and dedication, stating that the championship was well-deserved. The CEBL championship, initially planned as a three-game series, was condensed into a single-game format due to unforeseen circumstances, ultimately crowning the Sea Bears as the 2026 champions.
Both teams had battled through the playoffs to reach the final, with the Sea Bears overcoming the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits, and the Honey Badgers defeating the Ottawa BlackJacks and Niagara River Lions. Despite the loss, East II reflected positively on Brampton’s journey and the progress made by the team.
The 2026 CEBL championship game was a memorable event that showcased the talent and resilience of both teams, culminating in a historic victory for the Winnipeg Sea Bears.