Round 1 of the basketball version of the Battle of Alberta went to Calgary Friday night, as the Surge defeated the Edmonton Stingers 101-88. Don’t look now but after a 1-13 start, Calgary is on the cusp of a playoff spot. The 7-14 Surge trail the 8-13 Stingers by a game with three games remaining in the regular season, including a Sunday afternoon rematch with the Stingers. Olumide Adelodun scored 16 points added 9 rebounds and was named player of the game for the Surge. Sincere Carry added 14 points for Calgary, while Addison Patterson (13), David Joplin (13) and Adonis Arms (11) contributed to a diversified Surge attack. Taye Donald, with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists, was the player of the game for the Stingers. The Surge have won five of their last six to make a late season charge, while Edmonton has lost six of its past seven to let Calgary dream about sneaking into the CEBL post-season. Following Sunday’s rematch with the Stingers, the Surge host the 9-12 Niagara River Lions on July 31 and the 10-10 Saskatoon Mamba on Aug. 3. Edmonton hosts the Mamba on July 31 and the 9-12 Ottawa BlackJacks on Aug. 2.
