From Last Dance to a Championship Berth: Bandits Complete Comeback to Defeat Honey Badgers, Advance to CEBL Summer Series Final
August 9, 2020
ST. CATHARINES, ON, August 8, 2020 – The Fraser Valley Bandits pulled off a miraculous comeback in the semifinals of the CEBL Summer Series on Saturday afternoon, turning around a 14-point fourth quarter deficit and winning a game for the ages on the strength of a reverse lay-up from Olu Ashaolu that sealed the game, 76-75. With the win, the Bandits advance to the CEBL Championship game Sunday afternoon where they will meet the Edmonton Stingers, 88-75 winners over the Ottawa BlackJacks in the back-end of Saturday’s semifinal double-header.
After finishing last in the league standings during the 2019 inaugural season with a 4-16 record, the Bandits hit reset and entered the 2020 campaign with one returning player – Marek Klassen. Head coach and general manager Kyle Julius recruited an entirely new roster that was athletic and guard oriented. With a roster featuring eight guards and two forwards, pundits labelled the Bandits undersized. But they failed to account for the size of the hearts in the orange and blue jerseys.
The Bandits trailed the Honey Badgers 39-32 at halftime and 64-50 entering the final period. A 12-1 run during the first five-and-a-half minutes of the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 65-62, and a Junior Cadougan three-pointer made the score 67-65 in favour of Hamilton heading into the Elam Ending.
With an Elam Ending target score of 76, the Honey Badgers clawed to a 73-67 lead after Mukama hit a pair of free throws. The Bandits clamped down defensively and converted one timely bucket after another. Ashaolu hit a lay-up to put the Bandits ahead, 74-73, but the lead was short-lived as Kalif Young threw down another dunk to draw Hamilton to within a single point of victory. But the Bandits would not be denied a comeback. Ashaolu barrelled his way to the rim off a pass from Cadougan and dropped in the game winning basket on a reverse lay-up.
“We lost our composure a few times today, but I think we regrouped. I don’t think it’s about not losing your composure, it’s about how you react to it, and I think we did a great job of that,” Julius said. “If we don’t make that last shot and they make the last shot, I’m really proud of the fight in our guys.
It was Fraser Valley’s third come-from-behind victory of the season, with the previous two coming over Saskatchewan and Guelph.
One week removed from a 102-96 thriller during round robin play that ended with a Hamilton Honey Badgers victory, these two teams picked up right where they left off.
Hamilton got out to a big lead in the first half as rising star Jean-Victor Mukama continued his hot shooting, scoring 14 of his 18 first-half points in the second quarter, fueling an 11-point run for Hamilton. Mukama nailed four three-pointers in the second quarter to fuel a 39-32 lead for the Honey Badgers at halftime.
Hamilton continued to pull away from Fraser Valley in the third quarter on the ability to navigate the pick-and-roll and break the Bandits down off the dribble, leading to 14 points in the paint for the team in pinstripes. Young threw down a two-handed slam a split a pair of free throws in the quarter’s closing moments to give the Honey Badgers a 14-point lead entering the final frame.
The Bandits were left to play the fourth quarter without Marcus Capers, who was ejected from the game midway through the third for unsportsmanlike conduct after appealing a foul call to the officials.
With a small-ball lineup of four guards in Cadougan, Jahenns Manigat, Malcolm Duvivier, Klassen and Ashaolu as the lone forward, Fraser Valley came alive in the fourth quarter. The Bandits outscored the Honey Badgers 26-11 in final frame, though Fraser Valley did not take the lead until the game’s closing moments.
“We’re happy to get over that hump,” Ashaolu said. “I think this game of basketball is about trying to win possessions – you’re trying to win possessions offensively and defensively and put some stops together.”
The semifinal win marks another exciting chapter in the Bandits’ bounce back season. The loss sends Hamilton home with a 4-4 record.
“To their credit, they kept competing as we knew they would,” said Honey Badgers head coach Ryan Schmidt, who had his contract extended July 31 for the 2021 season. “We made way too many mistakes and too many self-inflicted errors. But like I said, hats off to them. I thought they played a good game. They competed from start to finish, and we didn’t make enough plays down the stretch to win.”
The Bandits and Stingers will compete for the league championship Sunday, with tip-off scheduled for 12 p.m. ET (10 a.m. MT, 9 a.m. PT).
Sunday’s Championship game will be nationally televised by CBC and livestreamed on Twitch, CBCSports.ca and the CBC Gem App. A complete broadcast schedule can be found here.
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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.
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.
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 .
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.
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