Vancouver Bandits dominate Saskatoon Mamba in first pro basketball game at Kelowna HOOPFEST

The Vancouver Bandits defeated the Saskatoon Mamba 105-85 in the inaugural professional basketball game held in Kelowna, part of the first Kelowna HOOPFEST. The Bandits took an early 23-3 lead and never looked back, extending the margin to as many as 29 points. Jarkel Joiner contributed 23 points and Tyrese Samuel added 22, while Miller Kopp recorded 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Kelowna native Grant Sheppard posted a CEBL career‑high ten points on perfect five‑for‑five shooting and praised the hometown crowd for its energy.

Coach Kyle Julius called the atmosphere at Prospera Place “tremendous,” noting the strong fan support throughout all four quarters. The win moves Vancouver to a 6‑2 record, having won five of its last six games. The Bandits will return to Langley on June 13 to face the Ottawa BlackJacks.