The Winnipeg Sea Bears secured a 77-75 victory over the Edmonton Stingers in the Canadian Elite Basketball League season debut, thanks to hometown talent Mason Kraus sinking crucial free throws to hit the target score. Kraus, a guard hailing from the University of Manitoba, played a pivotal role off the bench, scoring 11 points, including three three-pointers in the second half.
Star forward Teddy Allen led the scoring for Winnipeg with 24 points, along with 10 rebounds and a franchise-record six steals. Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Emmanuel Akot added seven points and 10 rebounds. This win marked the first victory in head coach Mike Raimbault’s professional career.
Raimbault, who took on the role of bench boss and general manager last summer, motivated the team to persevere, as noted by Allen post-game. The Stingers’ forward Dain Dainja led his team with 19 points, supported by Tre King and Taye Donald with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
In a tense finale, the Stingers were ahead 68-63 entering the Elam Ending, with the target set at 77 points. The game was tied at 75-75 when Allen converted two critical free throws. Kraus then sealed the win with successful free throws after a missed shot by Donald against the Sea Bears’ full-court defense.
Fans can catch live CEBL game coverage throughout the season on the CBC TV network, CBC Gem, and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. For the complete streaming schedule, visit the CBC Sports website.