YAHOO! Takeaways from the Calgary Surge's big win over the Montreal Alliance at the Calgary Stampede
Evan Gilyard II, Greg Brown III and Sean "Rugzy" Miller-Moore put on a show at the Surge's second-ever game at the Saddledome and the first at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
It was a successful event for both the team off the court and the squad on the hardwood for the Calgary Surge at the Calgary Stampede game against the Montreal Alliance.
The Surge prevailed 107-91 over Montreal at the Scotiabank Saddledome in front of 6,954 fans. It was a huge change compared to the game last season at the ‘Dome against the Edmonton Stingers, where they got their provincial rivals kick their butt in front of 12,327 fans. Lower attendance this time around, but a better result for Calgary.
I’ve lived in Calgary my whole life, so I’ve seen the Stampede and all it has to offer. It’s a huge part of the city’s culture and I recognize the significance it has for the community and economy. But it’s not really my thing. The Surge-Alliance game will probably be my only Stampeding this year. Especially seeing those ridiculous and dangerous-looking crowds.
When I was a part of the Surge’s front office in the inaugural season, the idea of having a game at the Saddledome during the Stampede was floated. I brushed the idea off, thinking it wouldn’t happen or be possible because the Stampede seemed way too big compared to our little basketball team. Note: This was before we even played a game.
Given that position, it was incredible to see the Surge partner with Stampede in just the team’s third season. Huge kudos to the leadership in Usman Tahir Jutt and Jason Ribeiro, along with the guys who have been with the team dating back to when they were the Guelph Nighthawks, Senior VP Dylan Howe and Manager of Ops and Events Ryan Mohaupt. Congratulations and well done to the entire front office for bringing this event to reality.
Now let’s talk more about the game and the event! Here are my takeaways of the “Surge 2 Stampede.”
New signing makes history
Evan Gilyard II was signed to the Surge exactly a week before the Stampede game to fill the big void that Jameer Nelson Jr. left as the latter departed for the NBA Summer League. Gilyard II made an immediate impact, scoring a team-high 25 points, four assists and three steals in a 94-85 win over the Brampton Honey Badgers. He then had just nine points in a forgettable loss against Edmonton. Going into Gilyard II’s first home game, he was set to make a splash.
And that he did. The Chicago native made franchise history, scoring 37 points to set the Calgary Surge single-game scoring record. His 37-point total broke the record previously set by Simi Shittu in 2023. Breaking a huge franchise record in just your third game? Not bad. Did I mention that he’s only 5’10”?
Calgary’s Evan Gilyard II shoots a three against Montreal at the Saddledome / Photo via CEBL
Despite Gilyard II’s slight stature, he brings a mighty skill set at point guard. The 26-year-old is excellent at creating space for his own shots. After creating that space, he’s pretty good at making those shots, especially from beyond the arc. Gilyard II’s seven threes on Wednesday didn’t quite set a franchise record, which is still held by 2019 Guelph Nighthawks players Connor Wood and Olu Famutimi, who each made nine threes in a game. However, Gilyard II did set a record for most threes since the team moved to Calgary. It’s kind of a “Gary Payton has the most minutes played in Seattle Supersonics/OKC Thunder history” situation. (My dad will hate that I used that analogy because he loved the Sonics at hates OKC for stealing his team. Sorry, Dad!)
Gilyard II did set a franchise record, including Guelph and Calgary, for points in a game with 37. There was a point in the game where it seemed like he wouldn’t miss ever again. He had 21 points in the third quarter alone and 35 points total going into the fourth. He made me think he could possibly break the CEBL single-game scoring record (45, set by Jalen Harris in 2024).
Though he didn’t break the league record, it was quite a game from the CEBL newcomer. He’s been very aggressive on defence and has bought into the Surge’s identity as well.
Dunn-Martin gives Montreal life
Even though the Calgary Surge won by a comfortable 16 points over the Alliance, the result wasn’t looking good after the second quarter. The Surge led by three points after the first quarter, but then Montreal took over. Tavian Dunn-Martin led the way for the Alliance in the second quarter and looked poised to spoil the party for Stampede and Surge game goers. Montreal led by 13 at the half after a 36-point second quarter.
Speaking of small stature, Dunn-Martin is listed at just 5’8”, 160 lbs. Seeing him up close, he is tiny for a professional basketball player. However, the Surge could not guard him. Every time the 27-year-old touched the ball, he was dangerous. He finished the game with 24 points on 9-for-14 from the field and 6-for-9 from deep. Not a bad statline. And that was in just over 16 minutes. Wednesday’s game was Dunn-Martin’s first game back from injury, where he had missed the Alliance’s last two contests.
There was no official report on why Dunn-Martin wasn’t playing more minutes, but speculation is that he was either on a minute restriction or possibly aggravated his previous injury. Whatever it was, Dunn-Martin’s absence from the floor significantly hindered the Alliance’s chances of winning. If he had been out there more, it could’ve been a much different result.
Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth + Basketball
I headed down to the Stampede grounds a few hours early to wander around and eat some deep-fried food. After filling my stomach with a corndog, half a blooming onion, a chocolate soft serve ice cream cone and a beer, I made my way to my seat in the Saddledome, ready to confront whatever battle my stomach was going to throw at me. Fortunately, I was fine and even enjoyed some post-game mini-donuts. I’d love to be greeted by a mini-donut truck after every basketball game.
Living in Calgary my entire life, there aren’t too many *new* things I get to experience around the Saddledome. This event was super cool. The Calgary Stampede band at halftime was a cool touch. I may be a little biased as someone who is tight to the team and follows the Surge closer than anyone else, but I felt the hype for this game. The music was great, the crowd was lively, the basketball itself lived up to the event, and there were no major hiccups in the game or production.
The cameras may not have caught it, but a drunk fan almost fought the executives of the Calgary Surge courtside while security was lollygagging and not paying attention in the fourth quarter. That surely added to the excitement. Luckily, nothing escalated beyond finger-pointing and hand-directing to the exits; the Surge’s execs excellently dealt with the drunk idiot and kept the peace. It was entertaining, though!
Stars flourish; role players come up timely
Evan Gilyard II had 37 points, Greg Brown III had 23, including the target score-winning slam, and Sean “Rugzy” Miller-Moore had 23 points and a few highlights of his own. The current ‘Big 3’ came up big to deliver the win. Khyri Thomas tied a season-high 13 points as well to add total sum.
The fifth starter, Gabe Osabuohien, had just two points. I’ll be honest: I can’t figure out Osabuohien. He gives the Surge next to nothing points-wise but I still find him super influential on both ends of the court. His season-high in points came in game one against the Stingers, where he had 14 points. Since then, he’s only had one other game where he reached double-digit scoring. He’s also had multiple games where he’s been held scoreless. That being said, the Canadian forward still makes a huge impact for the Surge. He had four steals and five assists in Calgary’s win on Wednesday, proving to be crucial for the team, especially in crunch time. I’m glad we get production from other places because I like Gabe’s role. Even though it’s a little unconventional.
Calgary Surge’s Gabe Osabbuohien drives on the Montreal Alliance’s Ben Stevens / Photo via CEBL
Looking at the bench production is a little troubling. The Surge scored 106 points against Montreal. To preface, the average target score in the CEBL this season is 95. Calgary had only nine points from their bench. Now, some of those buckets were big ones from the likes of Javonté Brown and Jamorko Pickett. But it’s still just nine points.
I’m not sure why Olumide Adelodun only played eight minutes but he’s usually the Surge’s biggest asset off the bench. The Calgary native put up a team-high 25 points in the previous game for the Surge. He seemed to be the only one to show up against the Stingers on July 6th. I’ve loved his game off the bench this year. I think he should be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year. He might not win because he’s not a super glamorous pick but he’s been huge for his hometown team this year. Also, he’s the Surge's most consistent three-point shooter.
Javonté Brown made his presence known in the fourth quarter with a few huge plays on the defensive end. The Canadian big stepped up to make a few crucial steals that led to some fast break plays. The Surge’s game plan is to step and make the opposing guards feel uncomfortable. Brown knew the assignment and had his hands ready. Despite being a backup for now, Brown understands his role and made a couple of huge plays to seal the win for Calgary. I hope to see the Rhode Island University product get more minutes. He’s a highly cerebral player.
Road ahead for the Surge
The CEBL extended the season to 24 games for this season, so there is plenty of basketball to be played. This win against Montreal was massive, especially after a crushing loss against Edmonton on Sunday.
The Surge are back on the road for games against Saskatchewan on July 15 and in Winnipeg on July 17. Calgary returns home on July 25 to take on their greatest rival, the Vancouver Bandits.
In case you missed the Stampede game, there is another game at the Scotiabank Saddledome at the end of the year. The Surge will host the defending CEBL champions, the Niagara River Lions, on August 10. Get your tickets here!
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I had to LOL numerous times while reading this….good one Ethan!
….and Darren, I beat you!
Indeed the Sonics are the team of my childhood and the pain of the theft of them by OKC still hurts. I could not even enjoy SGA’s championship! No more Sonics OKC references please!