LIVINGSTON, Ala.-Host West Alabama built a 19-point halftime lead and never allowed the Christian Brothers University Bucs back into the game as they defeated the Bucs 86-74 Thursday night.

The Tigers (14-9, 9-6 GSC) used an 8-0 run early to take the lead for good, but the game was close until the Tigers went on an 18-4 run over the final 6:24 of the first half, ending the half with a Jarell Byrd triple that gave them a 52-33 lead. The Bucs (11-8, 8-7) never came closer than 10 points in the second half.

Trey Casey (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) paced the Bucs with 28 points, his highest total since November and his third 20-point game in the last four. He was 11-of-19 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. Sidy Sall (Dakar, Senegal/Seeds Academy) scored 18 with seven rebounds, and Ryan Fleming (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) added 12 with six assists and four steals.

Deontaye Ewing scored 22 to lead the Tigers, and Justin Wright scored 21 with nine rebounds. Charles Eaton scored 12, and Kenric McCants tacked on 11 with six assists and three steals.

Both teams shot well all game, with UWA shooting 55.8 percent (33-of-60) to the Bucs 55.0 percent (29-of-52). The Tigers were 53.3 percent (8-of-15) from three-point range while the Bucs shot 42.9 percent (6-of-14). UWA was 92.3 percent (12-of-13) at the free throw line, and the Bucs shot 76.9 percent (10-of-13). UWA out-rebounded the Bucs 30-22, including a 14-8 lead in offensive rebounds, and they forced 15 CBU turnovers while committing 13.

The Bucs return to action Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m when they visit No. 24 West Georgia. Their next home game is next Thursday when they host West Florida at 7 p.m.