WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Christian Brothers University men's basketball team started the season off strong with a wire-to-wire victory over the Central State Marauders 78-56 in Beacom/Lewis Gym on Friday.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Buccaneers (1-0) jumped off to an impressive start, scoring the game's first five points, and eight of the first 10 overall. CBU never trailed in their season-opener.
• With 12:12 remaining in the first half, CBU took a 19-10 lead after an Adam Dieball (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East HS) three-pointer.
• Going into halftime, the Bucs offense rolled like a machine, leading the Marauders (0-1) 44-25.
• The Bucs closed the game on the same pace, with their lead never dropping below 15.

KEY STATS:

• Four Bucs scored in double figures on Friday, led by sophomore forward Jacob Lyons (Hernando, Miss./Christian Brothers HS) who finished the day with 18 points and eight rebounds. Lyons shot 9-11 from the field, with the bulk of his shots coming in the paint.
• Upperclassmen Adam Dieball (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East HS) (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Joe Laravie (Kettering, Ohio/Alter HS) (17 points, seven assists) combined for 35 points, including 7-for-8 from the free throw line.
• Freshman Nick Deifel (Cincinnati, Ohio/Oak Hills HS) made his CBU debut on Friday, scoring seven points and hauling in four rebound in 24 minutes as the sixth man.

UP NEXT:
CBU returns to Canale Arena for their home-opener on Sunday when they rematch Central State. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.