Vancouver Bandits stage historic 22-point comeback to clinch playoff berth

The Vancouver Bandits pulled off the largest comeback in franchise history, erasing a 22-point deficit to beat the Montreal Alliance 93-92 Friday night at Langley Events Centre.

Trailing 68-46 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter, the Bandits chipped away steadily. They cut the gap to 10 heading into Target Score Time before eventually tying the game at 91. When Alliance's Jack Hemphill missed a crucial free throw with a chance to seal the win, Vancouver had its opening.

Jarrell Eddie grabbed the defensive rebound to spark the fast break, and Shamar Givance knocked down the game-winning jumper to send the Country Night crowd home celebrating. The victory moves Vancouver into a tie for first place atop the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Western Conference at 12-7.

Tyrese Samuel led the Bandits with 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Eddie and James Karnik — both making their Bandits debuts — added 18 and 14 points respectively. Karnik had previously played for the organization and arrived the morning of the game.

For Alliance coach Jermaine Smalls, the loss stung like déjà vu. "We win the four quarters, but we don't win the fifth quarter," he said, referring to Target Score Time. Montreal's five double-digit scorers were led by Jack Hemphill and Blondeau Tchoukuidgno with 17 points apiece.

Interim head coach Rans Brempong credited his team's mindset. "Our will to not lose," he said. "That's the gift and the curse: we can be as good as we want to be." The Bandits head out on a two-game road trip, facing Calgary on July 21 before taking on Winnipeg on July 23 — another first-place matchup in the Western Conference.