Saskatoon Mamba embracing underdog role in return to CEBL playoffs against Winnipeg

For much of the Canadian Elite Basketball League season, the Saskatoon Mamba has set out to prove its doubters wrong.

With a return to the post-season for the first time in four years for the franchise, not much has changed heading into playoff basketball according to team captain Tavian Dunn-Martin.

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“They didn’t believe us in the beginning of the year,” Dunn-Martin said.

“They didn’t think we were going to make a playoff run or even get in the playoffs. It just means a lot to us. We’re excited, and I think we’re just ready to play.”

Not since the 2022 CEBL season has the Mamba franchise made the league’s post-season dance, but that will change on Thursday night when Saskatoon visits the Winnipeg Sea Bears in a single-elimination tilt at the Canada Life Centre.

Mamba head coach Isaiah Fox said it’s a goal the team has been building towards since the first practice in May, with the chance to surprise teams from around the league.

“The opportunity to play in a playoff game with that intensity is something that is going to make all of us better,” Fox said. “I think everyone is kind of grateful for that.”

Saskatoon has spent the last two weeks knowing its playoff spot was locked up in the Western Conference, but the Mamba will need a win on the road on Thursday in Winnipeg to keep its season alive.

Those stakes aren’t fazing anyone in the Mamba locker room, however, and Dunn-Martin said the pressure is on Winnipeg to get the job done at home.

“I feel like there’s no pressure on us,” Dunn-Martin said. “We’re not playing on our home court. They’ve got more pressure trying to win. Just come out and play confident. I feel like if you do that, we’ll win.”

Saskatoon will face a shorthanded Sea Bears team, with star guard Teddy Allen set to miss the game after suffering injuries as a result of an altercation at a Winnipeg nightclub this week. The team claimed Allen was assaulted by security, while Winnipeg Police confirmed officers are investigating.

The Mamba has enjoyed a resurgence in 2026, both on and off the court, following the organization’s move from the Saskatchewan Rattlers to the Mamba brand in February.

Paired with a revamped look and a new logo and colours, Fox said a refreshed style of play on the court this season has resulted in a long-awaited return to the post-season.

“We’re trying to do it for the fans,” Fox said.

“From a coaching staff and a player perspective, this rebrand was a good opportunity for us to really try to come in with something fresh and new. I think all the players brought that energy this season. I think there was real buy-in to try to make something special.”

The 2026 season has been a historic one for the team, which set the franchise’s single-season record for wins in a year with a 107-97 victory against the Edmonton Stingers last Friday night, the Mamba’s 12th win of the season. It’s far cry from the 0-4 start to the season.

“I think there’s a bit of joy that has come from just being around each other and winning these games,” Fox said.

“I would say it’s a joyous group. I think all of them are looking forward for the playoff game opportunity.”

From video game sessions at the team hotel on road trips to a lighthearted atmosphere at practice, Dunn-Martin said he’s noticed a shift over the back half of the season thanks to the chemistry he and his teammates have shared.

“I feel like we bonded a lot over the year,” Dunn-Martin said.

“Just on trips, even here after practice goofing around. The chemistry, I feel like it’s gotten a lot better. Even though we’ve had a couple of changes, those players came in and fit in right away.”

Fox said the turning point this season came in July. After back-to-back losses to Winnipeg and the Vancouver Bandits, the Mamba was able to re-adjust and won five of six contests.

“Having a couple games slide there really made us re-focus and hone back in on the preparation and stuff we can do better,” Fox explained.

“Particularly in these last two weeks coming down the stretch, I thought we found ourselves a bit offensively.”

Some history was made recently by Dunn-Martin as well, as he capped off his regular season by breaking the CEBL’s single-season records for both assists and three-pointers.

After coming close last year as a member of the Montreal Alliance, he said he wanted to see his name etched in the record books in 2026.

“Last year I thought I was going to get it,” Dunn-Martin said. “I didn’t play the last game last year, so obviously I didn’t. I’m just glad I got it this year.”

Saskatoon faces a stiff opponent in the Sea Bears, who have won three of four meetings against the Mamba this season.

That underdog brand is a key part of the mindset of Fox’s locker room, with the goal of getting back to Saskatoon at some point during this playoff run.

“We hope to get a home game in the playoffs,” Fox said.

“In order to do that, we’re going to have to succeed on the road. I think the opportunity itself is something everyone is looking forward to, and the opportunity for the fans as well.”

It’s a 6:30 p.m. tip-off between the Mamba and Sea Bears from Winnipeg, with the winner advancing to the Western Conference final against either Vancouver or Edmonton.