The Fraser Valley Bandits, for example, were outscored by the Edmonton Stingers 20-9 during the Elam Ending on Sunday. The Rattlers on the other hand have not had much to worry about thanks to a convincing 96-79 opening game win over the Niagara River Lions. Despite bringing back only a few pieces from last year’s Championship roster, and having a new coach in Chad Jacobson (formerly Greg Jockims’ assistant coach last season) at the helm, the Rattlers looked ready to pick up where they left off last season by dismantling 2019’s top regular season CEBL team.

Both the Bandits and Rattlers sport 1-0 records and are the only two teams that have yet to lose a game.

Tuesday’s game is available to watch on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Gem App and Twitch (CEBLeague). Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT; 4:30 p.m. PT).

Scoring by Committee

Niagara’s bench was outscored by Saskatchewan’s second unit, 36-28, in Sunday’s contest. Rashawn Browne scored 12 points and grabbed three rebounds in his first professional game, and Shane Osayande was his usual Energizer bunny self as he posted 14 points and seven rebounds (three offensive) in just 17 minutes of action. If the Rattlers can continue to get that type of production off their bench in support of their starting unit, then Saskatchewan will continue to be tough to beat.

Factor in solid output from starters Kevin Bracy-Davis, Negus Webster-Chan and Kemy Osse, who combined for 53 points against Niagara, and the Rattlers are a formidable group. 

Who are the Fraser Valley Bandits? 

It took 10 games for the Fraser Valley Bandits to record their first win in team history last season. That win came against the Rattlers, who owned a 3-1 record against the Bandits in 2019. Despite last year’s disappointing campaign, the Bandits are a new group lead by a new head coach and general manager in Kyle Julius and feature a collection of players that have experience at the international and professional level together. That rapport proved crucial in a decisive opening  game thumping of the Edmonton Stingers, who were outscored by the Bandits 85-67 through the first three quarters of Sunday’s game.

Although the Bandits were stellar through the first 30 minutes of the game, they struggled to put the finishing touches on what should have been a wider margin of victory. 

Each member of the Bandits’ starting five—Marcus Capers, Malcolm Duvivier, Cameron Forte, Kyle Johnson and Junior Cadougan scored in double figures—but Fraser Valley’s inability to cleanly close out the game left some room for concern. If the Bandits can prove they are capable of dealing that final blow, then they will be a tough matchup for any team.

Battle of Tempos

The Rattlers and Bandits feature a contrast in playing styles. Saskatchewan brings a more structured and gradual approach on offence that sees a flurry of screens and off-ball movement open up room for its shooters. Fraser Valley offers more of a run and gun style. The Rattlers scored 11 fast-break points in their previous tilt against Niagara on Sunday, while the Bandits adopted a fast-paced approach against Edmonton, which helped them rack up 40 fast-break points.

Both styles have their pros and cons, but whichever team is able to dictate the pace of play and disrupt that of the opposition will have the best chance to win tonight’s game.  

Next Up

Following Tuesday’s game, Fraser Valley takes on Ottawa (0-2) on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). Saskatchewan’s next game is Friday against the Guelph Nighthawks at 5:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. MT).