SEARCY, Ark.-The Christian Brothers University Bucs shot 64 percent in the second half as they pulled away to a 72-61 win at Harding Saturday night in their first game of the season.

After a back-and-forth first half, the Bisons (1-1) opened the second half with a 5-0 burst to take a 35-31 lead. After trading baskets, the Bucs (1-0) went on a 21-3 run capped by a Drew Hildreth (Memphis, Tenn./Bolton HS) slam dunk that gave the Bucs a 56-40 lead with 7:23 remaining. The Bucs never allowed Harding closer than nine points again.

Trey Casey (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) led the Bucs with 20 points, and Hildreth scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half. Sidy Sall (Dakar, Senegal/Seeds Academy) scored 14 points with 13 rebounds and six assists, and Ryan Fleming (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) dished out nine assists to go with seven points.

Blake McNair led the Bisons with 25 points, and Will Francis grabbed 12 rebounds with six assists and two blocks.

For the game, the Bucs shot 50 percent (28-of-56), including 64 percent (16-of-25) in the second half. The Bucs were 35 percent (7-of-20) from three point range. Harding shot 36.2 percent (21-of-58) overall and 44 percent (11-of-25) from three-point range. The Bucs out-rebounded the Bisons 38-32. Each team grabbed eight offensive rebounds and committed eight turnovers.

The Bucs return to action Monday night at 7 p.m. as they host Blue Mountain.