AP Sports Preview: Winnipeg Sea Bears host Montreal Alliance in CEBL showdown

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Interstat) — The Winnipeg Sea Bears look to solidify their playoff positioning when they host the Montreal Alliance on Sunday at Canada Life Centre in a Canadian Elite Basketball League matchup.

Winnipeg (14-9) enters the game with the second-best record in the league, while Montreal (10-14) is fighting to stay in contention for a postseason berth. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT.

The Sea Bears are led by forward Teddy Allen, who has been on an offensive tear. Over his last six games, Allen is averaging 29.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He recorded a 38-point, 11-rebound performance against Saskatoon on June 30 and put up 35 points in a win at Edmonton on July 5. In Winnipeg’s most recent game July 15, Allen posted 17 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists in a victory.

Montreal counters with forward Kevin Osawe, who has been a consistent contributor despite the team’s struggles. Osawe has averaged 11.3 points and 6.1 rebounds over his last seven games. He posted a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double at Ottawa on July 8 and scored 16 points with 8 rebounds in a loss at Niagara on July 12.

The teams last met June 5 in Montreal, with the Alliance taking a 97-91 victory. That result snapped a two-game winning streak for Winnipeg in the series.

Montreal is coming off a pair of road losses, falling 90-87 at Niagara on July 12 and 104-77 at Ottawa on July 8. The Alliance have dropped five of their last six games overall.

Winnipeg has won four of its last five, with the lone loss coming July 12 at home against Calgary, 85-80. The Sea Bears have been particularly potent at Canada Life Centre, where they own a 7-3 record.

Both teams face critical stretches ahead. Following Sunday’s game, Montreal returns home to host Ottawa on July 24 before a road trip to Scarborough. Winnipeg hosts Fraser Valley on July 23 before a visit from Hamilton on July 25.

For the Alliance to keep pace in the playoff race, they will need Osawe to continue his all-around production and hope for improved shooting from guard Keeshawn Barthelemy, who scored 22 points in Montreal’s last game.

The Sea Bears will lean on Allen’s scoring ability and the depth provided by forwards D.J. Burns and Isiah Osborne, who combined for 33 points in the July 15 win. With a four-game lead over Montreal in the standings, Winnipeg has a chance to create further separation at home.