Stingers hang on to defeat Calgary Surge in first CEBL game played in Red Deer

The Edmonton Stingers hung on to defeat the Calgary Surge 98-95 Thursday night in the first-ever Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) game played in Red Deer. (Photo: X@CEBL)

The CEBL made its Red Deer debut Thursday night, and in a new location, a new chapter in the basketball edition of the Battle of Alberta was written, with the Edmonton Stingers coming out on top.

The Stingers hung on through a valiant comeback effort by the Calgary Surge to claim the victory, 98-95, in front of 3,074 Red Deer basketball fans.

Edmonton led by 13 as the two teams entered Target Score Time and 16 in the fourth quarter, but Calgary chipped away until the game was tied at 95 apiece.

Each team had a chance to win it until Chris Smith slammed one home to give the Stingers the victory.

The win evened the Stingers’ season series against Calgary at a game apiece.

Jameer Nelson Jr. led the Surge with 23 points while Sean Miller-Moore added 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. Greg Brown III also added 19 points before fouling out.

Nick Hornby racked up some pretty impressive numbers, scoring 17 points, adding 14 rebounds, nine assists and three steals to led Edmonton.

“We had an opportunity – about five to seven opportunities – to finish the game, and we just came up short tonight,” Surge coach Kaleb Canales said, after the game.

On social media, Surge president and CEO Jason Ribiero sang the praises of Red Deer -- and hinted at more games in the future.

Fan reaction to the CEBL was equally enthusiastic.

Next up for the Surge is a Sunday matinee against the Vancouver Bandits at WinSport. Game time is 2 p.m.