MEMPHIS-The Christian Brothers University Bucs shot 50 percent from three-point range and 54.7 percent overall as they celebrated Homecoming with a 76-55 win over Lee Saturday afternoon at Canale Arena.
After a sluggish start, the Bucs (9-8, 6-7 GSC) trailed 6-2 with 15 minutes remaining in the half.
Ryan Fleming (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) sparked a 9-0 run that put the Bucs ahead for good, and
Trey Casey (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) capped the run with a three-pointer that gave the Bucs an 11-6 edge. CBU began to pull away late in the half, using a 17-4 run capped by a fast-break dunk by Fleming that gave them a 31-18 lead with 4:11 remaining, and the Flames (9-9, 4-9) never came closer than nine points again. CBU led by as many as 27 points in the game's closing minutes.
Casey scored a game-best 23 points with eight rebounds, making 9-of-14 shots overall including 4-of-5 three-pointers. Fleming and
Jeff Larkin (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) scored 11 each, with Fleming grabbing eight boards.
Drew Hildreth (Memphis, Tenn./Bolton HS) added 10 points.
Chase Cullen led the Flames with 20 and eight rebounds, while Levi Woods scored nine.
The Bucs shot 60.7 percent (17-of-28) in the first half, finishing the game at 54.7 percent (29-of-53) overall. CBU finished 50 percent (10-of-20) from three-point range while holding the Flames to 27.8 percent (5-of-18). The Bucs out-rebounded Lee 33-32, but Lee held a 12-9 edge in offensive rebounds. CBU forced 18 Flame turnovers while committing 13.
The Bucs' next four games are on the road, starting Thursday night at 8 p.m. when they visit Mississippi College. Their next home gmae is Saturday, Feb. 12, when they host West Florida.