CAMPBELL'S DAGGER SEALS COMEBACK IN SEASON OPENER VS. OTTAWA

Dillon White • May 26, 2022

OTTAWA, ONT., May 25, 2022 – After trailing for the majority of the game, the Fraser Valley Bandits came back to defeat the Ottawa BlackJacks 90-87 in a thrilling season opener at TD Place in Ottawa.  Bandits guard Alex Campbell hit an absurd contested three and scored the team’s final 7 points to lead Fraser Valley to victory. 


“It was a great play from our point guard,” Campbell said of his game-winner. “He found me, I felt good, I elevated and I hit the shot.”


Campbell, the Bandits’ MVP last season, produced 23 points and 9 rebounds—both leading the team. Murphy Burnatowski and Kadre Gray each contributed 17 points for Fraser Valley with Gray also chipping in a team-high 6 assists. 


Langley’s own and former Walnut Grove Secondary and 2017 B.C. provincial champion, Ty Rowell, made his professional debut for the Bandits, scoring eight points on 3-of-5 shooting.


South Sudan native Deng Adel had a monstrous debut in a losing effort for the Ottawa BlackJacks, scoring a franchise record 37 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. After saying hello to Ottawa fans, it might be him they’re looking for.   


Walt Lemon Jr. also had a strong debut for Ottawa, adding 12 points and a game-high 8 assists. Chad Posthumus established an inside presence for the BlackJacks, scoring 9 points to go along with 10 rebounds, going 7-12 from the free throw line.


It was an entertaining fourth quarter with each team exchanging blows before entering the Elam Ending within a point at 80-79 in favour of Ottawa. Deng Adel and Chad Posthumus both fouled out for the Ottawa BlackJacks late in the game before Campbell closed it out for Fraser Valley.


Despite outrebounding the Bandits and boasting higher percentages from the field and three, the BlackJacks suffered from 20 turnovers and foul trouble for star players.


The BlackJacks carried a 46-41 lead into halftime, shooting 54 per cent from the field while Fraser Valley shot 48 per cent.


Adel had a huge first half for Ottawa and showed off his well-rounded game. He scored, facilitated and rebounded in the opening stanza, putting up 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, including 10 straight points in the first quarter. In his first quarter run he hit a transition three, drove and scored, tipped in a rebound and hit a pull-up three off a screen. 


The first quarter was largely absent of defense with Ottawa taking a 27-21 lead into the second. The BlackJacks shot 62 per cent from the field in the first and 66 per cent from three. Both teams shot well from beyond the arc with Ottawa hitting 4 threes and the Bandits hitting 5. 


For the Bandits, Burnatowski’s smooth left-handed jumper was hot in the first half. He netted 11 points before halftime, going 3-4 from three. Campbell had 9 points at half on 3-6 shooting, while Shane Gibson’s interior finishing led to six more points off the bench.


The BlackJacks got off to a hot start in the third quarter, extending the lead to 10 and forcing the Bandits into an early timeout just over a minute in. Down 12 points, Ty Rowell hit a huge corner three to stop the bleeding and cut the lead to nine. Burnatowski then hit another big three to cut the lead to 55-49 and force the BlackJacks into a timeout.


The Bandits made an adjustment to zone in the third quarter and were able to cut the lead to four heading into the final frame. 


With Adel in foul trouble and on the bench for large stretches of the fourth, the Bandits were able to gain their first lead since 5-2 in the first quarter off of a fadeaway jumper from Maxie Esho. 


“We struggled for a lot of the game to get our feet under us,” Bandits head coach Mike Taylor said. “We made a couple adjustments in the second half that helped but I want to give credit to our team. They played with heart, they never quit and we got some breaks down the stretch.”


Coach Taylor will lead the Bandits under the Friday night lights of FirstOntario Centre against the Hamilton Honey Badgers in their second game of a three-game road trip at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. The BlackJacks’ next matchup is on the road at Verdun Auditorium in Montreal for their first meeting with the Alliance on Tuesday at 7:30 ET. 


Games are available on CEBL+ live internationally and in Canada at cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices and the free CBC Gem streaming service. Games are also available on the CEBL’s official app, CEBL Mobile (available on iOS and Android devices), as well as TELUS Optik TV Channel 1901 Lower Mainland and via live streams on 604 Now’s Facebook and Twitter pages.


Following a three-game road swing to start the year, the Bandits will debut at Langley Events Centre (LEC) for their home opener against the Rattlers on Saturday, June 4.


Full and partial season ticket packages, as well as group and single game tickets are available for purchase at thebandits.ca/tickets. Fans are kindly asked to call (604) 866-0529 or email tickets@thebandits.ca for any questions or ticket related inquiries.

LATEST NEWS

Vancouver Bandits and UFV Announce Exclusive Partnership for Junior All Native Tournament

By Bandits Staff • March 13, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation are proud to partner with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) to support local Indigenous youth participating at the upcoming 2026 Junior All Native Tournament (JANT). Hosted jointly by the Vancouver Bandits, Bandits Community Foundation, Vancity Nation Basketball and Kwantlen First Nation, JANT is the largest Indigenous youth sports gathering in British Columbia and one of the largest basketball tournaments in Canada. As a co-presenting sponsor, UFV will support the tournament’s on-site athletic therapy services. Students and faculty from UFV’s School of Kinesiology will assist in providing athletic therapy coverage throughout the tournament under the supervision of UFV Head Athletic Therapist Grant Ammann, who help ensure high-quality care for participating athletes. “Supporting Indigenous youth through sport reflects UFV’s commitment to community engagement, experiential learning, and is consistent with Reconciliation” said Michael Gaetz, Director of the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley. “Our students gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing to the health and well-being of young athletes and communities from all over the Province of BC.” “The Junior All Native Tournament represents the power of sport to bring communities together and inspire the next generation,” said James Mandigo, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley. “UFV is proud to support this important event and to contribute the expertise of our School of Kinesiology in helping create a safe, supportive environment for Indigenous youth athletes.” “We’re incredibly excited to partner with UFV to support the young athletes participating in the Junior All Native Tournament. This collaboration is a great example of what can happen when different parts of a community come together with a shared purpose,” said Vancouver Bandits team president & JANT co-chair Dylan Kular. “Seeing UFV’s School of Kinesiology & UFV Cascades’ students and faculty step in to support these athletes demonstrates the university’s commitment to youth across British Columbia and shows the real power of cross-department collaboration in creating meaningful experiences for the next generation. The Bandits Community Foundation and its partners have supported basketball development initiatives for Indigenous youth across British Columbia, including camps for athletes, officials and coaches, and community court revitalization projects. JANT has been a cornerstone event for nearly 50 years, uniting young athletes and their families from Indigenous communities across British Columbia. The tournament aims to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue their goals and make the most of their potential, while improving their fitness and skill levels. The 50th edition of JANT will take place in Langley from March 15-20, 2026 and is expected to bring more than 1,200 youth athletes, over 10,000 travellers and over 100 teams from across the province, representing over 100 Indigenous communities. Learn more about JANT and purchase event tickets at www.JANT.ca.

Vancouver Bandits and FortisBC Extend Partnership for 2026 Season, Expanding Commitment to Youth Basketball Across British Columbia Through JANT

By Bandits Staff • March 11, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits are proud to announce the renewal of their collaboration with FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) for the 2026 season, continuing a shared commitment to empowering youth through basketball development. This marks the fifth consecutive year of collaboration between the Bandits and FortisBC, reinforcing a strong community-driven initiative that provides coaching and mentorship opportunities for aspiring young athletes and coaches across British Columbia. As part of this renewed sponsorship, FortisBC will once again be the official co-presenter of the coaching and youth clinics hosted by the Bandits Community Foundation’s Indigenous Basketball Collective (IBC) . These clinics, designed to foster skill development and leadership among Indigenous youth, will continue to offer a structured environment where young players can learn from experienced coaches while also building confidence and teamwork skills through the game of basketball across British Columbia. Basketball is one of the most participated sports amongst Indigenous youth in British Columbia, which is displayed at the annual Junior All-Native Tournament (JANT). In addition to the Indigenous Basketball Collective, FortisBC is supporting the 50th anniversary of JANT. This tournament is welcoming 130 teams from across British Columbia to Langley March 15th to 20th, 2026. The 50th anniversary JANT is slated to be the largest in the history of the tournament welcoming nearly 1,800 players and coaches from over 75 First Nations communities across British Columbia. With the support of all JANT sponsors, including FortisBC, the tournament is not charging spectators to watch games from March 16th to 19th. “FortisBC is committed to supporting Indigenous youth and community-led initiatives that strengthen connection and belonging,” said Vanessa Connolly, director, community and Indigenous relations FortisBC. “By investing in youth basketball programs and community tournaments, we’re helping create inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, skills and lasting relationships.” FortisBC returns as a co-presenter of the BC Basketball Festival, one of the province’s premier youth basketball tournaments and one of the only youth basketball tournaments in British Columbia that does not charge spectators to watch games. The extension of this partnership aligns with both organizations’ ongoing efforts to foster community engagement, youth development, and the overall growth of basketball in British Columbia.

CEBL and CBC Sports Reunite in Landmark Five-Year Broadcast Partnership

By CEBL Staff • March 3, 2026
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and CBC Sports today announced a landmark five-year broadcast partnership that will see marquee games air on CBC TV, including the first best-of-three CEBL Finals in league history, and all games live streamed on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube . “As Canada’s professional basketball league, with 10 teams across the country, our focus is simple, to meet fans where they are,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “Partnering with CBC Sports brings the CEBL to more Canadians on a trusted national stage, and expands access across digital platforms including CBC Gem and YouTube, giving basketball fans of all ages more choice in how they follow our biggest moments.” “Canadian basketball is having a moment right now on the world stage, and through our partnership with the CEBL, we can bring the energy and momentum of Canada’s top young players to fans across the country,” said Chris Wilson, Executive Director, Sports and Olympics, CBC. “We are excited to share the excitement from the court with wider audiences on CBC’s platforms, and to interact with and serve local fans in CEBL locations across Canada.” CBC Sports was the league’s broadcast partner for its inaugural seasons from 2019 through 2022, and with the new partnership, for the next five years CBC Sports will offer select regular-season games on CBC TV and all regular-season and playoff games on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube. Available platforms will also include CEBL+. The CEBL’s full 2026 broadcast schedule and more broadcast-related announcements are coming soon. For the full 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League game schedule, visit cebl.ca/schedule . Details on the League’s new playoff format are available at cebl.ca/playoffs , and ticket information for all CEBL games can be found at cebl.ca/tickets .

Bandits Single Game Tickets On Sale now

By Bandits Staff • February 25, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits announced Wednesday that single game tickets for all home games for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League ( CEBL ) season are available for purchase to the public. The Bandits sold-out 75 per cent of regular season home games during the 2025 CEBL season so fans are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as they can. The Bandits will tip off the home portion of their schedule with a pair of games as part of Home Opener Weekend at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC). The home opener will be played on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT against the Edmonton Stingers, while the second game will take place on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m. when the Bandits host the Calgary Surge in a highly-anticipated rematch of the 2025 CEBL Western Conference Quarterfinal. “There is nothing like a Bandits Basketball game. It is high-energy, engaging and, most importantly, it’s for everyone. Whether you are a lifelong basketball fan, a family looking for a fun night out, or someone experiencing a game for the first time, you belong here,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “We have worked hard to create one of the best live event experiences in British Columbia, a place where the community comes together, cultures are celebrated, and unforgettable moments are made. We cannot wait to welcome all of BC to Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre this summer.” In celebration of the BC School Sports Basketball Provincial Championships, taking place at LEC, fans use the promotional code PROVINCIALS15 upon check out to save 15% off single game tickets played at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre until Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Single game tickets for all Bandits home games can be purchased here . The Vancouver Bandits’ complete home game schedule is as follows (all times Pacific): Home games played at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre, unless denoted. Friday, May 22, 2026 vs. Edmonton | 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2026 vs. Calgary | 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 vs. Saskatchewan | 6:00 p.m. *Game played in Kelowna Saturday, June 13, 2026 vs. Ottawa | 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026 vs. Scarborough | 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026 vs. Brampton | 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 vs. Winnipeg | 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2026 vs. Edmonton | 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026 vs. Calgary | 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 vs. Montreal | 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 vs. Saskatchewan | 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026 vs. Winnipeg | 12:30 p.m. Featuring the club’s most fan-friendly schedule to date, Bandits home games will feature start times on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. (3), Saturday nights at 6:00 p.m. (5), and Sunday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. (2). Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre will be the place to be for professional basketball in British Columbia this summer, further solidifying the Bandits’ fast-growing reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic live event offerings in British Columbia. Fans can also look forward to the return of Bandits Theme Nights this summer. Dates and details of popular games, such as Filipino Heritage, South Asian Heritage and Country Night, along with new themes will be announced next month. Single game tickets for the eighth season of Bandits Basketball are available for purchase and can be accessed by clicking here . In addition to single game tickets, Season Tickets , Group Experiences and Jam Packs are also available for purchase.

LATEST VIDEO

A Message from Vancouver Bandits head coach Kyle Julius

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.

Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Calgary Surge (08/16/2025)

By Bandits Staff • August 16, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on August 16th, 2025.

Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears (08/03/2024)

By Bandits Staff • August 4, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on August 3rd, 2025.

Full Game Highlights | Bandits at Calgary (07/25/2025)

By Bandits Staff • July 26, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on July 25, 2025.