Box Score MEMPHIS—The No. 17 Christian Brothers University Bucs built a 26-11 lead in the opening minutes and survived a late Delta State rally as they won 75-65 Saturday night to remain perfect in Gulf South Conference West Division play and to bring head coach Mike Nienaber within one win of the 400 milestone in his career.

The Bucs (14-2, 3-0 GSC West) opened the game with back-to-back threes by Scott Dennis (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore HS) and Reggie Peyton (Memphis, Tenn./St. Benedict HS), followed by a thunderous Nick Kohs (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East HS) two-hand slam that gave CBU a commanding eight-point lead in just three minutes.

The Statesmen (11-5, 1-2) came no closer than four points before the Bucs blew it open with a 13-2 burst.  Connor Wetzel (Cincinnati, Ohio/Wyoming HS) started the run with a tip-in, and a Kyle Couvion three-pointer gave the Bucs a 26-11 lead with 8:37 remaining in the first half.

The Bucs' lead hit 21 points twice midway through the second half before DSU rallied to within eight points in the final minute.

Kohs had 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Bucs, while Peyton added 17 points and two steals.  Dennis and Wetzel scored 10 each.

Alton Robinson led the Statesmen with 17 points and nine rebounds.  Eric Spencer scored 12, while Arian Maliqi added 11.  Chad Akins tacked on 10 points.

The Bucs will return to the court Thursday night against Harding in a rematch of last year's GSC Championship game, which the Bucs won 92-89.  Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.