Games in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) end differently than traditional FIBA or NBA basketball games.
The CEBL has adopted Target Score Time, also known as the Elam Ending, which means that all games end with a game-winning basket. At the first stoppage of play with less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, officials turn off the game clock, leaving the shot clock on. Instead of playing to the end of the game clock, the two teams play to meet or exceed a target score. That score is determined by adding nine points to the leading team's total when the game clock is shut off.
For example, if a team is leading 80-70 when the first stoppage of play occurs with under four minutes left, the target score is 89. Whichever team meets or exceeds 89 points first will win the game. The format increases the potential for late-game comebacks and eliminates stalling and intentional fouling.
