The opening game between the Winnipeg Sea Bears and the Edmonton Stingers ended in a tense finish as a local reserve delivered the decisive points. Coming off the bench, Mason Kraus — a guard who played his college basketball at the University of Manitoba — calmly converted two free throws to reach the target score and secure a 77-75 final. The match, played at the Edmonton Expo Centre, featured momentum swings, a late-run comeback and a high-impact performance from a returning star.
Winnipeg’s offense got a major boost from Teddy Allen, whose return to the Sea Bears saw him lead all scorers while also anchoring the defense with steals and rebounds. The Sea Bears trailed by seven at the break but chipped away and used aggressive pressure late in the game to force turnovers and create opportunities. The closing sequence involved the league’s special endgame format, the Elam Ending, and ended with a pair of clutch free throws that matched the set target and handed the visitors the victory.
How the comeback unfolded
After a slow second quarter that left Winnipeg behind by seven, the Sea Bears mounted a recovery in the second half built on three-point shooting and defensive disruption. Mason Kraus finished with 11 points and a team-high three three-pointers, injecting crucial offense from the bench. The visitors cut the margin with methodical possessions, while the home side’s lead waned entering the special ending format. At the start of the Elam Ending the target was set at 77; Edmonton held a 68-63 advantage before Winnipeg rallied to make it a one-possession game and eventually tie and then overtake the Stingers.
Standout performances and team contributions
Teddy Allen produced a standout stat line with 24 points, 10 rebounds and a franchise-record six steals, reaffirming why he was a dominant figure in the league during his previous stint. Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. delivered an important interior presence with 14 points and eight rebounds, and forward Emmanuel Akot chipped in with seven points and 10 boards, helping secure possessions and second-chance opportunities. Those contributions combined to give Winnipeg the balance needed to counter Edmonton’s scoring runs and to execute under late-game pressure.
Edmonton’s offensive sparks
The Stingers got reliable scoring from several players, led by Dain Dainja who posted 19 points. Forward Tre King and guard Taye Donald added 13 and 12 points respectively, providing the bulk of Edmonton’s offense. The hosts entered the Elam Ending up five and were in position to close out the game when Allen’s drive to the basket drew a foul, allowing Winnipeg to tie the score via free throws. A late miss by Donald on a contested attempt and a subsequent rebound sequence opened the door for Winnipeg’s decisive free throws.
Key moments in the final sequence
The climax featured a sequence of pressure plays: Allen drew a foul and hit two free throws to level the contest at 75-75, then Edmonton failed to convert on its next opportunity. After a defensive stop, Winnipeg secured the rebound and fouled on the break, sending Mason Kraus to the line. With calm execution he made both attempts and reached the target score of 77, sealing the 77-75 road win. Those final free throws underscored the value of steady finishing in the league’s sudden-death-like conclusion.
Coaching milestone and what it means
The victory marked the first professional win for head coach and general manager Mike Raimbault, who was appointed last summer after successful seasons leading the University of Winnipeg Wesmen to Canada West Championship final appearances in 2026 and 2026. Raimbault’s emphasis on persistence and defensive intensity was credited by players as a guiding factor in the comeback. The win gives the Sea Bears early-season momentum and highlights how role players such as Kraus and returnees like Allen can change the trajectory of a game under a new coaching regime.
