Sad as it sounds teams have to not only play by the rules but also accept the calls made by the officials working the game but in today’s ever changing sporting world several calls are now going to the “command centre” for review.
Such was the case for the Vancouver Bandits in the heartbreaking loss to the Calgary Surge in the
This year saw the Bandits’ historic season ended in a heartbreaking semifinal loss to the Calgary Surge in the CEBL Western Conference semifinal finishing the regular season with a franchise-best 19-5 record and the league’s top seed who were a mere two points away from advancing to the Western Conference final.
But to the frustration of Bandit supporters it was a series of overturned foul calls in “Target Time” that opened the door for Calgary’s Gilyard II to seal the game with three free throws, ending Vancouver’s season in front of a stunned home crowd.
The loss denied the Bandits a chance to face the Winnipeg Sea Bears at Championship Weekend, despite entering the postseason as favourites to capture the franchise’s first league title.
The matchup began with both teams leaning on their regular-season strengths, but momentum quickly swung back and forth.
Vancouver’s trademark physicality showed in the opening quarter, though Calgary erased a seven-point deficit in the final minute of the frame.
By the second quarter, the Bandits’ missed opportunities and defensive breakdowns gave the Surge room to build a double-digit lead.
Fouls began to pile up on both sides, slowing the pace and forcing rotations to adjust. By halftime,
Vancouver trailed by 10 after Zach Copeland closed the gap with a pair of free throws.
As they had all season, the Bandits surged in the third quarter.
Copeland drained a three-pointer to spark a rally, followed by two free throws that cut into Calgary’s advantage.
The LEC crowd responded with thunderous energy, pushing Vancouver back into contention. Each basket and foul call drew roars from the stands as the Bandits closed the gap heading into the final frame.
The fourth quarter saw emotions peak, with fouls dominating the pace of play.
By Target Score Time, the game was tied and on a knife’s edge — Vancouver needing nine points to win, Calgary needing 10.
The Bandits edged ahead and were just two points away from victory when the officiating took centre stage.
Three consecutive foul calls in Vancouver’s favour were overturned after video review. Moments later, Calgary drew a foul against Kyle Mangas on a three-point attempt.
Gilyard II sank all three free throws to clinch the game, silencing the Bandits’ hopes and leaving fans in disbelief.
Despite the disappointing finish, the Bandits capped their best season in franchise history. Just days after their elimination,
Vancouver players and staff collected four awards at the 2025 CEBL Awards in Winnipeg. Forward Mitch Creek was named Most Valuable Player, after averaging 24.4 points per game to finish second in league scoring.
Creek also ranked among the top 10 in multiple statistical categories, including three-point shooting (48.6 per cent), free throws made (110), and steals (30).
His 488 total points were the second-highest in the league this season and the fourth-most ever in a single CEBL campaign.
Centre Tyrese Samuel earned Canadian Player of the Year and Clutch Player of the Year, after becoming the only player in the league to average a double-double — 21.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game — while leading the CEBL in field goal percentage at 65.9 per cent.
Head coach Kyle Julius was honoured as Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season, guiding the Bandits to the league’s best record, a +250 point differential, and top marks in field goal percentage, assists, and overall scoring. It marked the second straight season
Vancouver swept the league’s top three awards, highlighting both the roster’s depth and the leadership guiding the organization.
The Bandits may not have lifted the championship trophy, but their 2025 campaign raised the bar for success in the CEBL. With Kyle Julius steering the bench,
Vancouver remains a contender moving forward — even as their season ended in shock rather than celebration.
Wait till next season – it’ll be even more exciting than this one!!!!
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