WEST SEMIFINAL PREVIEW: SURGE PREPARE FOR PLAYOFF BATTLE OF ALBERTA

On May 27, 2023, the Calgary Surge played their first-ever game in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The Surge hosted their provincial counterpart, the Edmonton Stingers at WinSport Event Centre. The passion of the fans quickly turned their regional neighbour into a rival and ignited a new Battle of Alberta on the hardwood. The Home Team took the victory over Edmonton; sealed by a game-winning free throw by Stef Smith. 24 hours later, Smith secured another victory over the Stingers, this time on the road.

Fast forward to July 22, the Surge clinched a playoff berth in their first season with a 79-64 win over the Saskatchewan Rattlers. A few days later, Calgary defeated Edmonton at home to secure a home playoff game. Finally, in a season-finale thriller in Saskatoon against the Rattlers, Stef Smith hit the game-winning three-pointer in a “next basket wins” scenario. The clutch bucket from Smith gave the Surge a 12-8 record in the regular season and a chance to cement first place in the Western Conference. However, the Surge had to wait another day to know their fate. After Edmonton beat Winnipeg in their respective season finales, the Surge officially clinched the top spot in the west in their inaugural season.

“There was so much riding on those last few games,” said Surge head coach Nelson Terroba. “Obviously, you’re watching scoreboards from other games to get a feel for it. But our players put a lot of focus into our games. Not only the last four, but the whole season.”

With the top spot in the west, the Surge earned a bye to the Western Conference Semi-Final and awaited the winner between the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Edmonton Stingers. These were two teams that Terroba and the Surge had seen many times over the past few months. Regardless of who the Surge are matched up against, Terroba feels confident in the spot they are in.

“They’re obviously excited but still focused,” explained Terroba. “I think we have enough body of work and experience that we can draw from, with whoever we match up against.”

“They’re excited. I’m excited”

After a Friday night victory for the Stingers over the Sea Bears, the Surge finally have their opponent for their first-ever CEBL playoff game. An August battle of Alberta would be coming to the WinSport Event Centre and the CEBL Playoffs. With the magnitude of Sunday’s game, Nelson Terroba and the Surge have identified the changes they need to make while building off their strengths.

“We look at what we need to get better at and address it. Whether we win or lose, there are things we need to correct. We’ve been learning to manage expectations throughout the season. I think we’ve managed them well down the stretch,” said Terroba.

The Edmonton Stingers will pose a serious threat to the Surge. It will be the fifth time the provincial rivals will go head-to-head since the opening of the 2023 CEBL season. Although the Surge took the season's series 3-1, the playoffs are a clean slate. One game, win or go home. It will be a match-up any Alberta sports fan won’t want to miss. Stef Smith, Rugzy Miller-Moore and the rest of the Surge lineup will need the passion and energy that the fans have brought all season. But on Sunday, August 6, the Home Team will need another level of support to help them make it to the next level in pursuit of bringing a championship home to Calgary. Tickets are still available to witness history.