MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Christian Brothers University men's basketball Buccaneers continued their winning ways, this time toppling the Mississippi College Choctaws, 81-77 in Canale Arena on Thursday.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Choctaws struck first, scoring three of the game's first four baskets for a 6-2 edge. However, junior guard Brad Miller (Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder HS) put on his playmaking hat in response, assisting on four of the next five baskets for the Bucs as they ripped off a 13-0 run to put them ahead 18-8.
• At the midway point of the first half, Joe Laravie (Kettering, Ohio/Alter HS) drew a foul on a three-point jumper, hitting two free throws to give the Bucs their first double digit lead of the game at 22-11. Just a few minutes later, the Bucs ripped off an 8-0 run capped off by another Laravie free throw, pushing CBU's lead up to 33-20.
• On a well-timed pass from Nick Deifel (Cincinnati, Ohio/Oak Hills HS), reserve forward Mitchell Mays (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East HS) sank a three to give the Bucs their largest lead of the half, 42-28, just before halftime.
• The Choctaws fought back in the second half, even cutting the Buccaneers lead to five with 12:57 remaining in the game. CBU responded with a quick 5-0 run to blossom the lead back to double digits, capped off by a Miller three-pointer on a pass from Adam Dieball (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East HS).
• The Bucs lead hovered around 10 for most of the half, until a couple of missed free throws and defensive lapses allowed the Choctaws to cut into the lead as time winded down. A three-pointer near the game's end allowed Mississippi College to cut the margin to four, where the final score ended at 81-77

KEY STATS:

• Laravie has remained a scoring machine for the Buccaneers, scoring 30 points on 9-for-17 shooting and five three-pointers in 37 minutes (all game-highs). The reigning Gulf South Conference player of the week has scored 30 or more for the Bucs in three consecutive games.
• Miller set a career-high in assists tonight for the Buccaneers with 10 to go along with six points and two steals. His previous career-high was seven in February of last season; he also recorded six earlier this year against Central State.
• Dieball was the most efficient player on the floor for the Buccaneers tonight, scoring 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting. He also corralled five rebounds and six assists in his 33 minutes. The senior shot 9-of-10 in the paint area and drew eight fouls against the Choctaws (3-of-4 free throws).
• The Bucs improve to 6-3 in the Gulf South Conference, and currently ride a three-game win streak. CBU will put that streak on the line in Canale Arena on Saturday as the host Delta State. First tip against the Statesmen is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.