Box Score MEMPHIS—The No. 19 Christian Brothers University Bucs' offensive struggles continued as they shot 38.6 percent from the floor in a 68-58 loss to No. 22 Harding Saturday afternoon at Canale Arena.
The game's first 25 minutes saw four ties, eight lead changes, and no lead of more than five points for either team, but the Bisons (14-2, 4-0 GSC West) used an 8-0 burst capped by a Weston Jameson three-pointer to claim a 44-37 lead with 13:22 remaining. The Bucs (15-4, 3-2) trimmed the lead back to 46-44, but a 9-1 run capped by a Kirk Porter layup gave the Bisons their biggest lead of the night at 55-45 with 4:58 remaining.
The Bucs threatened in the final minute, cutting the lead to 63-58 after back-to-back
Harry Green (Memphis, Tenn./White Station HS) three-pointers with 48 seconds remaining. They had a chance to cut the lead to three points with 20 seconds remaining, but a
Cory McArthy (St. Louis, Mo./Christian Brothers College HS) three rolled off the rim, and the Bisons made four straight free throws in the final 20 seconds to seal the victory.
Scott Dennis (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore HS) carried the Bucs again with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high six steals, tying for third on CBU's single-game steals list. Green scored a career-best 18 points, making 4-of-7 three-pointers.
Porter led Harding with 19 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists. Sam Brown added 18.
The Bucs shot just 38.6 percent (22-of-57) overall, the third time in the last four games they have shot less than 40 percent from the field. They were 27.3 percent (6-of-22) from three-point range and 72.7 percent (8-of-11) at the free throw line. The Bisons' biggest advantage was at the free throw line, where they were 76.7 percent (23-of-30). Harding was 47.5 percent (19-of-40) overall from the floor, including 50 percent (7-of-14) from three-point range.
The Bisons out-rebounded the Bucs 37-22, including a 7-4 offensive rebound margin. The Bucs forced 18 turnovers while committing 12.
The Bucs hit the road Thursday night at 8 p.m. as they visit Delta State. Their next home game is set for Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.
