NASHVILLE, Tenn.-The Christian Brothers University Bucs out-scored host Trevecca Nazarene 36-15 over the final 15:13 as they rallied for a 66-56 win Thursday night for their first win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:• The Trojans (1-2) started the game on a 16-4 run, taking that lead on a Mac Walden fastbreak triple with 13:22 remaining.
• From there, the Bucs (1-2) could never come closer than seven in the opening half, and Trevecca extended its lead back to 41-30 on a Jalen Palm three with 16:08 remaining.
• The CBU comeback started with a pair of
Jeff Larkin (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) free throws with 15:13 remaining, then he converted a turnover into a fastbreak layup to close within seven. A
Drew Hildreth (Memphis, Tenn./Bolton HS) three followed to bring the Bucs within 41-37 with 13:54 to play, but they came no closer until
Adam Dieball (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East HS) sank a three with 10:23 remaining to bring CBU within a point at 45-44.
• Dieball scored four straight on two free throws and a jumper to give the Bucs their first lead of the night at 48-47 with 8:18 to play, sparking an 11-0 burst that left the Bucs ahead 55-47 when Larkin scored another fastbreak layup with 3:52 remaining. The Bucs led by as many as 12 points in the final minutes as they never allowed Trevecca closer than five points again.
KEY STATS:• Larkin scored a game-high 21 points to go with six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
• Hildreth added 15 with a team-best eight rebounds.
• Dieball scored a season-high 15 points with five rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes.
• The Bucs shot 35.9 percent (23-of-64) for the game, including 30.8 percent (8-of-26) from three-point range. CBU shot just 21.9 percent (7-of-32) in the first half, but they were 50 percent (16-of-32) in the second half. Trevecca shot 33.9 percent (21-of-62) for the game, including 34.8 percent (8-of-23) from three-point range.
• CBU out-rebounded the Trojans 46-44 for the game, with each team grabbing 11 offensive boards. The Bucs forced 12 turnovers while committing 11.
WHAT'S NEXT:The Bucs hit the road Saturday night as they visit No. 4 Bellarmine at 6 p.m. Their next home game is Tuesday night as they face Harding at 7 p.m.
