Stingers use strong second half to win against Rattlers

July 13, 2021

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The Edmonton Stingers (6-0) kept their undefeated season alive with a hot-shooting second half to pull away from the Saskatchewan Rattlers (0-7) by a score of 87-70 on Monday night at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.



The Rattlers led by two at halftime, but a 47-28 second-half advantage by the Stingers pushed the game out of reach. With the victory, Edmonton won its third consecutive game in a regular season mini-series against Saskatchewan.


While the Stingers weren’t as sharp from start to finish as they were in recent games, the team’s three-point shooting bailed them out. Edmonton shot an impressive 11-22 (50%) from long range in the victory, showcasing collaborative ball movement which led to high quality shot attempts for several guys on the roster.


“It’s confidence, our first game of the season we only went 3-21 (from deep),” said Stingers’ head coach Jermaine Small after the game, “We’ve been putting up more shots now, and they’ve been shooting off the rust.”


Jordan Baker led the way for the Stingers, with an impressive stat line of 25 points, 14 rebounds and five assists while being a +26 on the floor. Baker made plays look effortless, making open shots, hitting teammates when covered, and grabbing seemingly every rebound within his grasp.


Guard Mathieu Kamba was also in top form, tying his season-high with 18 points on efficient 6-10 shooting. Kamba has taken a slight backseat offensively to Player of the Year frontrunner Xavier Moon, along with Baker and forward Marlon Johnson, but he’s been steady and consistent throughout the season. His teammates saw he had the hot hand and kept providing him with open looks.


“I saw the way they were playing Xavier (Moon), denying him the whole game, and it gave me open looks. I had the confidence to shoot them, and my teammates were behind me,” said Kamba, “Any shot that we take when we’re open is never a bad shot.”


While Saskatchewan is still winless on the season, the team’s offense is slowly but surely rounding into form. Still last place in points per game, the Rattlers topped 60 points for the first time in three contests. Coach Conor Dow has only been leading the squad for two games, but he’s already seen the tides starting to turn for his team’s offensive unit.


“Our spacing was a lot better, we got the looks we were looking for, we got the looks we practiced,” said Dow, “It just comes to working in the gym, so we knock them down come game time.”


Devonte Bandoo led the Rattlers in scoring for the second straight contest, dropping 17 points to go along with 10 rebounds and four steals. Travis Daniels also stepped up in the loss, finishing with a season-high 15 points.


While much of the starting lineup was effective for Saskatchewan, the bench couldn’t hold its weight. All told, the Rattlers’ reserves only combined for nine points, providing minimal offensive production for their squad.


The Rattlers also took an equal amount of two-pointers and three-pointers, 34 a piece. While the close-range shots fell at a decent 47% clip, the team shot only 8-34 (23%) from beyond the arc.


“Anytime we’re attacking offensively, we’re trying to get the ball in the paint,” said Dow, “But as I keep saying to the guys, I trust them to make their shots.”


Saskatchewan will now mercifully escape the grasp of the Stingers, as its next game comes on Friday at 9:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. local time against the Guelph Nighthawks.

Edmonton is back in action on Thursday against the Hamilton Honey Badgers in a highly anticipated battle of the top two teams in the CEBL. That game will be played at 7:00 p.m. ET.

All CEBL games will be available for live streaming on the CEBL’s new OTT streaming service CEBL+, cbcsports.ca, the free CBC Gem streaming service, the CBC Sports App for iOS and android devices, and on Twitch.


A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube

Rattlers Set New Franchise Record for Season Ticket Sales

By Brennan Elliott and Graham Forrester • May 9, 2025
The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the franchise has set a new record for season ticket memberships ahead of their home opener against the Vancouver Bandits on May 15 th at SaskTel Centre. The 82 per cent increase of season ticket sales over the 2024 season will continue to climb as enter the 2025 season as fans have the ability to secure season tickets at a prorated price. The Rattlers saw strong growth in 2024 with season ticket sales up 45 per cent, setting a new single game attendance record of 3,500 on June 20 th , and hosting over 25,000 fans throughout the 2024 season at SaskTel Centre. “We are very pleased to see the meteoric growth of the Rattlers,” said Rattlers President, Lee Genier “as we head into the 2025 campaign in what will be our largest season in history.”

CEBL Announces Partnership with Neo Financial

May 7, 2025
Canadian fintech leader commits to cashback program on all CEBL ticket purchases for Neo Mastercard holders The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday the renewal of its national partnership with Canadian fintech leader Neo Financial (Neo) as the Official Credit Card of the CEBL. Neo became the first official financial partner in league history in 2024. The partnership between Neo and the CEBL provides Canadian basketball fans with exclusive access to cashback on all ticket purchases made with a Neo Mastercard throughout the upcoming 2025 season. By purchasing tickets through cebl.ca/neo , CEBL fans will receive 15 per cent cashback on their purchase with a Neo credit card, up to $20 off per transaction*. For CEBL fans that don’t currently have a Neo Mastercard, a $25 sign-up bonus will be provided to any fan signing up for a new card, in addition to 15 per cent cashback on their CEBL ticket purchases*. Fans can sign-up for a Neo credit card today at get.neofinancial.com/cebl to secure their $25 sign-up bonus. “Excited to continue our partnership with Neo Financial as they become the Official Credit Card of the CEBL,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the CEBL. “This next step in our partnership creates another unique opportunity for our fans to engage with a made in Canada brand with services that make it more rewarding than ever to support Canadian basketball.” In addition to the relaunch of the CEBL Cashback Program, Neo will be selecting one lucky CEBL fan and a guest for a VIP basketball experience of a lifetime**. The winner will receive a Grand Prize package containing a VIP trip for two to Championship Weekend in Winnipeg this August, including flights, hotel, game tickets to the Conference Finals and Championship Final, and access to the CEBL Awards and Commissioner’s Luncheon. Each CEBL ticket purchase made with a Neo credit card through cebl.ca/neo will amplify your entries into the Neo Championship Weekend VIP Experience contest. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with the CEBL as the official credit card and preferred payment method,” said Andrew Chau, Co-Founder and CEO at Neo Financial . “This renewed partnership goes beyond sponsorship – it’s about investing in Canada’s future by supporting homegrown athletes and delivering better financial experiences to fans across the country. Together, we’re driving innovation in both sports and finance, helping shape a strong, more connected Canada.” Neo is building the future of financial services for Canadians, offering its customers a modern financial experience, simplifying finances through reimagined credit card products on an easy-to-use platform. To learn more about the CEBL Cashback Program, visit get.neofinancial.com/cebl .

2025 Rattlers Training Camp Roster

By Brennan Elliott • May 7, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that their 2025 Training Camp Roster will get to work starting on Wednesday May 7 th 2025 at Merlis Belsher Place on the University of Saskatchewan campus ahead of their home opener on Thursday May 15 th 2025 when they meet conference-rivals, the Vancouver. The Rattlers announced Friday May 2 nd that the team will travel to Regina to complete two of their nine-days of CEBL Training Camp at the University of Regina campus . The Regina portion of Rattlers Training Camp is proudly presented by Hoop Life, taking place on May 9th and 10th. An opportunity for fans to spectate for free will happen on Saturday May 10th from 1PM until 3PM at the University of Regina gymnasium. The Rattlers welcome media to attend with opportunity for Media Availability with Rattlers players and personnel happening on May 10th from 3PM until 4PM. During the Saskatoon portion of Rattlers Training Camp, media are welcome to attend Media Availability on Thursday May 8 th at 11:45AM, and Tuesday May 13 th at 11:45AM at Merlis Belsher Place.  “We have a relatively short period of time to try to develop some cohesion, so the focus throughout training camp will be giving the players evert opportunity to become familiarized with each other,” said Rattlers General Manager Barry Rawlyk. “We have a number of new faces that we are very excited about, and getting all of them on the same page will be very important. We already have a pretty good idea of what each player is capable of and what role they can fill, so getting each of those parts to work together is what we hope to accomplish.”

For the First Time Ever - Rattlers Are Coming to Regina, SK

By Brennan Elliott and Jordan Klimosko • May 2, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the club will be taking the entire Rattlers Training Camp Roster to Regina, Saskatchewan for two of the nine-days of CEBL Training Camp ahead of the Saskatchewan Rattlers home opener on May 15th at SaskTel Centre against the Vancouver Bandits. This will be the first-time that the Rattlers have brought their Training Camp outside of Saskatoon. The Rattlers are the only CEBL franchise that represents an entire province, and they look to highlight the 2025 roster while bringing the talent to new and current fans in the province's capitol. “I am excited to take our training camp on the road to Regina”, said Rattlers Head Coach, Eric Magdanz. “The city of Regina has always been a basketball hotbed and passionately supported the Rattlers. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to meet the fans that continue to support us”. 

NCAA Star and International Player of the Year Signs with Rattlers

By Brennan Elliott • May 2, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the club has signed 6-foot-4 Takal Molson from Buffalo, New York for the 2025 season. Molson will make his CEBL debut on May 15 th when the Rattlers open their season at SaskTel Centre. “Takal is going to bring some great versatility to our backcourt,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “Not only is he able to score from all three levels, he is a very capable playmaker, and even more importantly a willing and able defender. He will have a very good situation to show his abilities as a player here and we expect he will take full advantage of that opportunity.”

Recording Superstar Rebecca Strong To Perform During Rattlers Home Opener

By Brennan Elliott • May 1, 2025
The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that recording superstar Rebecca Strong will be performing at halftime when the Rattlers kick-off the seventh season during their home opener on May 15 th when the team hosts the Vancouver Bandits at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The performance will be the second time that Rebecca Strong has performed at a Saskatchewan Rattlers home game. During the 2024 season the Rattlers were the first professional sports organization to invite the world-renowned artist to perform after her win on the fourth season of Canada’s Got Talent, she performed at SaskTel Centre during the Rattlers First Nations Night celebrating Indigenous culture and communities. Strong, a member of Black Lake Denesuline First Nation was born in Stony Rapids, and grew up in Prince Albert. In early 2024, Strong made noise in her home province of Saskatchewan and around the nation for her incredible voice. Appearing on a national Canadian talent show, she soon become a household name after receiving the highest praise possible from judge, Lilly Singh . To conclude the fourth season of the talent show, Rebecca Strong was named the winner and claiming the top prize of one million dollars.

Mazereeuw Named President of Canadian Elite Basketball League

May 1, 2025
Seasoned sports executive and business leader steps into key role with Canada’s largest pro sports league

Canadian Guard Makes Professional Debut with Rattlers

By Brennan Elliott • April 30, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that the club has signed 6-foot-two guard Elisha Ampofo for the 2025 season. The Milton, Ontario product joined the Winnipeg Sea Bears during the 2024 season for CEBL Training Camp, and continued to train with the team during the season. Ampofo will make his professional debut with the Rattlers after four seasons playing with the University of Brandon Bobcats. “Elisha is a very talented scorer and we are very excited about the potential he brings as a young basketball player,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “Last season he was not really given an opportunity to display his skill set, and so we have brought him to the Rattlers with the idea that if he can unleash some of his potential, he can be a real asset to the team.”

2019 CEBL Champion Rejoins Rattlers for Fifth CEBL Season

By Brennan Elliott • April 30, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that the club has signed 6-foot-7 Shane Osayande for the 2025 season, which is celebrated as his third season with the Rattlers and fifth in the CEBL. The Toronto, Ontario native played 17 games over two seasons with the Saskatchewan Rattlers during the 2019 and 2020 season averaging 8.9 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 40 per cent from the field. Osayande played a key role during the 2019 CEBL Championship final with 14 points, nine rebounds, and one steal in 27 minutes while shooting 45.5 per cent from the field. The Rattlers won the 2019 CEBL Championship with a 94 to 83 win over the Hamilton Honey Badgers. “We are very happy to welcome Shane back to Saskatoon. He is obviously very familiar with the community after having spent time here as a college student-athlete and as a member of the Rattlers,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “His experience and athleticism will prove to be great assets for the team, and we expect him to provide some veteran leadership. Shane is a tough competitor and will certainly be an important catalyst to our success.”

Canadian Big Joins Rattlers, Returning to CEBL for Fourth Season

By Brennan Elliott • April 24, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that the club has re-signed 6-foot-7 Elijah Ifejeh for the 2025 season. The Montreal, Quebec native returns for his fourth season in the CEBL after playing three consecutive seasons with the Montreal Alliance where he ranks fifth all-time for points (301), second all-time for rebounds (207), and holds the all-time record for blocks (30). During the 2023-24 season, Ifejeh joined Manchester Giants in the BBL where he played alongside Cody John. John and Ifejeh will continue their on-court chemistry at the Rattlers homeopener on May 15 th at SaskTel Centre. “We feel that we have added some real grit to our lineup by adding Elijah,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “In his first couple seasons in the CEBL, he has quickly developed a reputation as a very tough and hardworking competitor. We look forward to him bringing that type of play to our team.”
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