SEARCY, Ark. – The Christian Brothers University men's basketball team closed out 2018 on a strong note, with a 69-57 win over Harding University out of Arkansas. The Bucs end the year on a three-game win streak.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Buccaneers jumped out of the gate strong, going up 10-2 in the first few minutes.
• Harding rallied back though, closing the CBU gap to one at 13-12, however, Christian Brothers responded with a 10-0 run, punctuated with Joe Laravie (Kettering, Ohio/Alter HS) three-pointer.
• Despite Harding closing the half with a three-point buzzer-beater, CBU entered the break with a 33-22 lead.  
• Fortunately maintained control for the majority of the second-half, powered by a 6-0 run midway through the frame, powering their lead to 46-35.
• Adam Dieball (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East HS) found Joe Laravie (Kettering, Ohio/Alter HS) for a corner-three to ice the game for the Bucs, putting them up 65-57 with 45 seconds remaining.

KEY STATS:

• Adam Dieball (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East HS) was in rare form today, logging his second career triple-double with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists. Dieball went into halftime dominating on the boards (nine) but not doing much scoring. He exploded for 13 second-half points on 6-of-9 shooting.
• Jacob Lyons (Hernando, Miss./Christian Brothers HS) also played extremely well for the Bucs, tying for the team-high with 16 points, while hauling in three rebounds. Lyons shot 7-of-8 from the floor.
• Freshman Aiden Ruthsatz (Edgewood, Ky./Covington Catholic HS) had the most impressive showing of his young career, scoring nine points off the bench and hauling eight rebounds, including three offensive boards.
• CBU enters the new year at 8-4 and 3-1 in Gulf South Conference play. The Bucs are in a five-way tie for second place in the GSC with Valdosta State, West Alabama, Delta State, and West Georgia.
• CBU never trailed in the game.

UP NEXT:

• Christian Brothers University starts the new year with a pair of home games on Saturday January 5^th, and Monday January 7^th at Lee and Alabama Huntsville, respectively. First tip against Lee is scheduled at 3:00 p.m. in Canale Arena.