Bandits Regain Top Spot in West after road win in Winnipeg

Rois Chand • July 24, 2026

WINNIPEG, MB - July 23, 2026 - The Vancouver Bandits are back in the win column after a second half comeback against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on Thursday night.

 

The Bandits defeated the Sea Bears 92-77 to take them atop of the Western Conference, now tied with the Sea Bears at 13-8.

 

“For the past two years, we’ve been in first place and we’ve been hunted. We’re the hunters this time around,” said Bandits head coach Ransford Brempong.

 

Vancouver trailed for most of the game, and by as many as 14 points, before exploding in the final 20 minutes of the game. The Bandits shot just one-for-seven from three point range in the first half.

 

“We’ll make mistakes but keep the game close and see if we can steal it, which is what we did.” 

 

Vancouver’s defence stepped up in the second half, holding Winnipeg’s best stars to a rough shooting night. Isiah Osborne, who averages 12.9 points, was held to four points on two-for-eight field goal shooting, while Emmanuel Akot made just one field goal for four points.

 

CEBL scoring leader Teddy Allen scored 26 points, but he took 22 shots to do it and committed four turnovers.

 

Jarkel Joiner’s 24 points once again led the Bandits. He also recorded three assists and two steals.

 

“He’s quick and he’s strong,” said Sea Bears head coach Mike Raimbault about Jarkel Joiner.

 

Joiner said there’s a “fight” within the team, especially with a close schedule remaining. 

 

“We know we’re fighting for homecourt advantage,” he said

 

Bremprong praised the Bandits for sticking together in an unorthodox season. 

 

“This team is extremely resilient,” said Brempong about the Bandits’ second comeback win in three games.

 

“The year has already thrown punches. We got thrown into the fire, but the fire is also a place where iron gets sharpened.”

 

The paint was dominated by the Bandits as they scored 62 of their 92 points in the paint, including countless ferocious dunks from Tyrese Samuel and James Karnik.

 

Rookie big man Dominic Parolin also poured in seven points, eight rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes of action.

 

“We got those guys because they’re big boys and they’re Canadian,” said Brempong.

 

Tied at 70 heading into the fourth, Tevin Brown was the answer Vancouver needed, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the final frame. Brown’s play catapulted a 22-7 scoring run in the fourth quarter to clinch the win.

 

A putback layup by Karnik was the game winner. He finished with a season-high 17 points and season-high 12 rebounds.

 

“To slay a Sea Bear isn't easy,” said Brempong.

 

The Bandits will return home for a quick one game home stand on Saturday against the Saskatoon Mamba at 6 p.m. Tickets can be found at thebandits.ca

 

“Every game is a new challenge.”

LATEST NEWS

By Bandits Staff September 4, 2026
Vancouver Bandits guard Jarkel Joiner has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Charlotte Hornets. The news was announced by the Hornets on social media . During his time with the Bandits in the 2026 season, Joiner made 21 appearances, including 13 starts, and finished with 16.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steals per games. Introduced in the NBA’s 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year deals. They can include a potential bonus if the player spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.
By Bandits Staff September 3, 2026
Former Vancouver Bandits guard Kyle Mangas has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Charlotte Hornets. The news was announced by the Hornets on social media. Mangas is expected to practice and compete with the Hornets during the 2026-27 Training Camp and preseason from October 3rd to 12th. During his time with the Bandits in the 2025 season, Mangas finished top five on the team in points (15.3), rebounds (4.6), assists (3.3) and steals (1.3). Introduced in the NBA’s 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year deals. They can include a potential bonus if the player spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.
By Bandits Staff September 1, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits have partnered with the Vancouver Park Board, Bandits Community Foundation and Little Legends Foundation to unveil a newly renovated outdoor basketball court at Grays Park in South Vancouver. Part of the Bandits Community Foundation’s Court Projects initiative, the team officially unveiled the refurbished court on Saturday (August 30). The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a free youth basketball clinic led by local coaches. Attendees also enjoyed a complimentary BBQ lunch, free haircuts and massages, and free backpacks and school supplies distributed for local youth. “The Bandits Community Foundation’s Court Projects initiative was designed to build and enhance public outdoor courts,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “The love for the game grows in spaces like Grays Park. This project would not have been possible without the support of our community partners. We will continue to enhance outdoor public courts, make them more inviting, and create stronger communities through basketball.” “Over the past few years, we have been trying to build one of the nicest courts here in South Vancouver for the community,” said community leader Spensir Sangara. “We recognized that Grays Park was one of the few neighbourhood parks without a quality basketball court for the community. Thank you to our businesses and donors who came together to make our vision a reality. This court is filled with a rich basketball culture and this is a legendary day for our community.” “When the Vancouver Bandits approached the Vancouver Park Board with the idea to upgrade this park, it seemed like the right fit and partner to help renew an important asset in a community where basketball plays such an important role,” said Vancouver Park Board Director of Business Services John Brodie. “Thank you to the Bandits and our partners for their generous contributions, and for being examples of what having a strong, community-oriented mission looks like.” The court refurbishment at Grays Park, located at 4850 St. Catherines Street in Vancouver, includes upgrades to the basketball hoops, playing area resurfacing and seating areas. Grays Park was identified as one of Vancouver’s most active outdoor basketball spaces, and community feedback strongly supported the refurbishment. Established in October 2023, the goal of Court Projects is to enhance outdoor basketball courts across British Columbia, creating productive and safe spaces for individuals to play while enriching local basketball at the community level. To date, this partnered team effort has featured the construction and installation of six brand new outdoor basketball courts and upgrading hundreds of basketball rims in communities across BC.​​
By Bandits Staff August 25, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation have announced that its second-annual Bandits Golf Classic charity tournament raised over $130,000, with all proceeds supporting programs and initiatives that support and empower youth across British Columbia. Presented by BC Spray, the sold-out event brought together over 150 golfers, sponsors and volunteers to The Redwoods Golf Course in Langley on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The record setting total exceeds the $55,000 raised at last year’s tournament by over 136 per cent, with every dollar raised going toward providing vital tools, experiences, and support for youth to thrive. Supported by countless donors and sponsors, and additional funds raised through a 50/50 raffle and live auction, the tournament united local business leaders, community members, and team supporters for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and meaningful impact. "The Bandits Golf Classic has become a day people across this province circle on their calendar," said Dylan Kular, Vancouver Bandits team president. "We are honoured to work alongside the partners, donors and volunteers from every corner of the region who believe a kid's access to basketball should not come down to what their family can afford. We raised $130,000, which will go straight into programs that get young people across BC into the game of basketball who otherwise would not have had the chance." Beyond an enjoyable round of golf, the event featured friendly competitions and activations on the course, including a million dollar hole-in-one, closest-to-the-pin and longest-drive contests, complimentary food and beverage sampling from local businesses, pyrotechnics and performances by internationally-renowned magician Anmoldeep Singh, creating an atmosphere where players were able to unite in support of an important cause. Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed valuable networking opportunities while also gaining insight into the Bandits Community Foundation's extensive efforts, programs and key initiatives, including: - Court Projects: Building and refurbishing outdoor basketball courts across BC - Bandits School Tour: Delivering cost-free basketball workshops and practice instruction to high school teams - Community Champion Initiative: Providing youth and families in need with the special experience of a Vancouver Bandits game - Indigenous Basketball Collective: A partnership with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council to foster opportunities for Indigenous players and coaches Established in 2024, the Bandits Community Foundation is a registered charitable organization dedicated to increasing life-time participation in the sport by providing more basketball for more people across British Columbia. The Bandits Community Foundation’s mission is centred on uplifting communities, one bucket at a time. The success of the second-annual Bandits Golf Classic would not have been possible without generous contributions from the sponsors, players and volunteers. The Bandits Community Foundation remains committed to giving back to the community and uplifting our youth, with planning already underway for next year’s tournament. Companies, golfers and sponsors interested in being involved can email info@banditsfoundation.ca for more information.

LATEST VIDEO

By Bandits Staff May 15, 2026
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Mamba on May 14, 2026.
By Bandits Staff August 18, 2025
A message from Vancouver Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius on the 2025 season and thoughts on the CEBL Western Conference Semifinal.
By Bandits Staff August 16, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on August 16th, 2025.
By Bandits Staff August 4, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on August 3rd, 2025.