Rattlers weather late comeback to beat Sea Bears in home opener

The offseason revamp for the Saskatchewan Rattlers seem to pay off as the club opened the 2024 Canadian Elite Basketball season with a victory.

Saskatchewan raced to a 94-86 opening-night win over Winnipeg Sea Bears on Wednesday at SaskTel Centre, led by 23 points from Toronto Raptors draft pick Jalen Harris.

Although the Sea Bears clawed their way back to within six points, the Rattlers capitalized on late turnovers to secure the eight-point victory.

“I know we made some mistakes, but everyone played together and played hard and that’s what coach is preaching now,” said Maurice Calloo, who poured in 22 points for the Rattlers.

Harris and Calloo were part of the offseason roster overhaul for the team, which included new head coach Larry Abney and a familar face in the front office — Lee Genier, who served as president from 2018-2020.

The Rattlers will look to make it two in a row on their home court when they welcome the Montreal Alliance for a Saturday showdown at SaskTel Centre.