Vancouver Bandits drop a close 98–96 road game to Calgary Surge in Target Score Time as both teams prepare for playoffs.
Surge Edge Bandits in Dramatic Finish in Calgary
The Vancouver Bandits suffered a narrow 98–96 defeat to the Calgary Surge on Friday night, in a thrilling matchup at the WinSport Events Centre that came down to the final shot.
Game-Winning Shot Seals the Deal
With the game in Target Score Time, Calgary guard Evan Gilyard Jr. drained his only three-pointer of the night — a deep shot that rattled in after a tense few seconds — to seal the win. The clutch bucket lifted the Surge over the top-ranked Bandits in a game where both sides had already clinched playoff berths in the CEBL Western Conference.
Returning Stars Shine in Key Roles
Both teams welcomed back key players from the NBA Summer League. Vancouver’s Tyrese Samuel impressed in his return with 26 points on 12-of-15 shooting, while Aussie forward Mitch Creek added a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Calgary’s Jameer Nelson Jr. also made a significant impact, fueling a second-quarter comeback and showcasing his all-around game.
Turnovers and Missed Threes Cost Vancouver
Vancouver struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just eight of their 27 three-point attempts, a steep drop from their recent hot streak. Meanwhile, 18 turnovers proved costly, giving Calgary 25 points off mistakes. Head coach Kyle Julius acknowledged the team’s lapses in execution, citing turnovers and second-chance opportunities for the opposition as key issues.
Momentum Swings and Key Runs
The Bandits took early control, leading by as much as nine in the second quarter. However, the Surge fought back, tying the game at halftime with a buzzer-beating putback. Calgary tightened their defense in the third quarter, limiting Vancouver to 18 points and setting up a back-and-forth final frame.
Final Minutes Deliver High Drama
Down four to start the fourth, Vancouver’s frontcourt duo of Creek and Samuel sparked a late surge to even the score. Both teams traded buckets in Target Score Time, with highlight plays from Brown III and Samuel keeping the crowd on edge. Samuel’s late layup and a putback from Creek gave Vancouver a brief lead before Gilyard’s dramatic winner.
Looking Ahead to Playoffs
With the playoffs approaching, the Bandits will aim to bounce back in their next matchup — a Friday trip to Edmonton to face the Stingers. Despite the close loss, the team remains focused on tightening their game for the postseason push.
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