After an overall solid performance from the Winnipeg Sea Bears last Friday over the Edmonton Stingers, they almost gave it away with a 22-7 run from their opposition in the fourth quarter and Target Time. Tevian Jones was able to draw a foul with the bonus, and sink both free throws to secure the victory. That is the beauty of Target Time and Winnipeg knows it all too well from last season doing what the Stingers could not last Friday: No lead is safe in the CEBL. It’s what makes this league so fun, you always have a chance. With the season opener out of the way, the summer can now get underway for the Sea Bears. Their second game of the season will be a rematch of the Western Conference Play-In game of last year, where Winnipeg fell to the Calgary Surge. Both these teams have many different pieces than what were on their rosters last summer, but nonetheless, a small rivalry has started between the two. The Surge and Stingers are slated to be two of the best teams in the Conference this year, and the Surge have beaten up on Winnipeg their first two seasons. This Calgary squad comes into this match up at 1-1, with their win over Edmonton on opening night, and a loss against the Niagara River Lions. The first two games have seen Calgary play from behind for much of the contests. The Stingers had their way for much of the opener, but the Surge took control late and pulled out the win. Against the River Lions, they fell behind early, and while the score looks close, Calgary never really threatened to takeover. To get you set up for Friday’s matchup, here are some keys to a Winnipeg victory and players to watch on the Surge.

Transition Defence

While the defence as a whole was much improved than what we have seen it in the past from the Sea Bears, there was still a weak point that they need to clean up going forward. It has been an issue along with their defence woes, but specifically the transition defence has been quite poor against teams that push the pace. Edmonton took advantage of that in the fourth and Target Time, playing faster to get Winnipeg on their heels. Calgary has been a team in the past that likes to play with pace, which could spell problems for the home team if they don’t fix the issues. The concern in question can be solved by simple communication and just making sure they get back on defence. It was a problem in game one against Edmonton, but it should solve itself as the chemistry comes along.

Offensive Team Game

We saw a little of this in their first game, but the team offensive game needs to continue to be what Winnipeg hangs their hat on. It was very clear that was their initial plan going into the game and for the most part it played out. But they need a little bit more from their bench in this one. They did get 17 points against Edmonton (holding the Stingers to just ten), but if they want to make sure they take care of Calgary, guys like Mason Bourcier and Alex Campbell have to put a couple more in the basket. The players off the bench shot 6-15, and that is gonna have to change to not make the starters carry the load. At this point, there is still a very good chance that last Friday’s game is an outlier, but it does remain to be seen.

Slow Down Import Players

For most clubs, the import players on their roster are arguably the best and it is no exception here for the Surge. We have seen both Jameer Nelson Jr. and Greg Brown III put up 20+ point performances, each in separate games. They are also players that make winning plays outside of scoring the ball, whether that be rebounding for Brown or playmaking for Nelson. These two are my players to watch in this one as, if they both can fin ways of being difference-makers, it could be too much for Winnipeg. The two of them need to be at the top of the Sea Bears scouting report when going over film for this game. He hasn’t made the impacting plays that were hoped from him in the first two games, but Khyri Thomas might be my other sleeper to keep an eye on. He is a guard with true NBA experience that can defend really well and shoot it.

This will be Winnipeg’s second straight home game on Friday night at Canada Life Centre. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM CDT. They will then travel to Calgary and play the second of a home and home against the Surge Sunday afternoon.