ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Christian Brothers men's basketball (4-1) emerged victorious in a hard-fought game against Henderson State (4-2), clinching an 81-77 win on the road at the Duke Wells Center on Saturday. The game saw back-and-forth action, with six ties and four lead changes, but Christian Brothers used a dominant second half to secure the win.

First Half Analysis

The first half was a gritty affair, with Henderson State taking a slim 36-34 lead into halftime. Christian Brothers struggled to establish a consistent rhythm early but remained competitive thanks to timely scoring and defensive stops. Key contributors in the opening half included Iman Kheirati, who drained an early three-pointer, and Kyler Mann, whose aggressive drives into the paint kept the Buccaneers within striking distance.

The Reddies relied heavily on their inside presence, scoring 18 points in the paint during the first half, and capitalized on Christian Brothers' turnovers to generate fast-break points. However, Henderson State's inefficiency from three-point range (1-for-5) kept the game close, allowing Christian Brothers to stay within reach despite committing seven turnovers in the period.

Second Half Performance

The second half told a different story, as Christian Brothers' offensive firepower took over. The Buccaneers exploded for 47 points, shooting a blistering 58.6 percent from the field and an incredible 80 percent from three-point range. Nmeso Nnebedum sparked the charge with a hot hand from deep, hitting four three-pointers in five attempts, while Tane Kirisome and Allen Hughes provided valuable support in transition and on the defensive end.

Christian Brothers made key adjustments at halftime, spreading the floor effectively and using quick ball movement to find open shooters. This strategy stretched the Reddies' defense and created gaps in the lane for players like Iman Kheirati, who finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Kheirati's leadership on both ends of the court was instrumental in maintaining Christian Brothers' momentum during critical stretches.

Key Runs

First Half

Christian Brothers' Early 7-0 Run (19:14–17:17)
The Buccaneers opened the game aggressively, jumping out to a 7-0 lead thanks to a three-pointer by Iman Kheirati, followed by layups from Kyler Mann and Tane Kirisome. This run showcased Christian Brothers' ability to start strong, with quick ball movement and early defensive stops setting the tone.

Henderson State's 8-0 Response (14:41–13:47)
Midway through the first half, Henderson State capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities, going on an 8-0 run to take the lead. Matthew Mayes played a key role, scoring on a fast-break layup and a dunk. This stretch exposed Christian Brothers' early struggles with ball security.

Christian Brothers' 6-0 Run to Close the Half (2:12–0:56)
Trailing 36-28 late in the half, the Buccaneers turned up the defensive pressure and clawed their way back with a 6-0 run. Buckets by Allen Hughes and Kyler Mann, coupled with defensive rebounds, helped Christian Brothers cut the halftime deficit to just two points at 36-34.

Second Half

Christian Brothers' Explosive 14-2 Run (16:12–12:47)
Early in the second half, the Buccaneers made their biggest statement, going on a 14-2 run fueled by hot three-point shooting from Nmeso Nnebedum and strong inside play by Jemeal Goines. This run flipped the game in Christian Brothers' favor, giving them a 54-46 lead and forcing Henderson State to call a timeout.

Henderson State's 10-0 Counter (8:42–6:41)
The Reddies roared back with a 10-0 run behind second-chance points and fast breaks. Rondae Hill and Tim McDonald were instrumental during this stretch, slashing into the lane and drawing fouls. This run tied the game at 64-64, setting the stage for a tense finish.

Christian Brothers' Closing 9-2 Run (3:32–1:02)
With the game tied at 72-72, Christian Brothers delivered the knockout punch with a 9-2 run. Iman Kheirati scored on a putback and hit a clutch three-pointer, while Tane Kirisome added a key layup. This run gave the Buccaneers a 79-74 lead, which they managed to hold onto despite Henderson State's late-game fouling.

Game-Sealing Moments

• Defensive Stops (1:02–0:03): In the final minute, Christian Brothers forced turnovers and secured critical rebounds, including a decisive defensive board by Jemeal Goines. These efforts prevented Henderson State from mounting a final comeback.
• Key Free Throws: Christian Brothers hit 5 of 6 free throws in the final two minutes, ensuring they stayed ahead despite late-game pressure.

Battle in the Paint and Second Chances

While Henderson State matched Christian Brothers with 38 points in the paint, the Buccaneers had the edge in capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Reddies 21-15 in that category. Christian Brothers' frontcourt, led by Jemeal Goines (12 rebounds) and Kyler Mann (five rebounds), outworked Henderson State on the boards, particularly in the second half. This rebounding advantage helped limit the Reddies to one-and-done possessions while creating extra chances for the Buccaneers.

Bench Contributions

Christian Brothers' depth played a significant role in the outcome, as their bench outscored Henderson State's reserves 34-20. The bench's energy and scoring allowed the starters to stay fresh and maintain high intensity throughout the game. Nnebedum's sharpshooting and Archer McMenamin's hustle plays gave the Buccaneers a much-needed boost when their starters were in foul trouble.

Defensive Adjustments

The Buccaneers tightened their defense significantly in the second half, forcing 13 turnovers while committing only nine fouls. Their defensive intensity was reflected in six steals and a crucial block by Christian Thompson, which set the tone early in the game. The ability to disrupt Henderson State's rhythm on offense ultimately proved to be the difference.

Key Takeaways

• Efficiency from Three-Point Range: Christian Brothers shot an outstanding 66.7 percent from three-point range (10-for-15), a stark contrast to Henderson State's 26.7 percent (4-for-15).
• Poised Under Pressure: In a game with multiple ties and lead changes, Christian Brothers demonstrated composure in clutch moments, hitting key free throws and executing down the stretch.

Final Thoughts

This win showcased CBU's ability to win on the road against a tough opponent. The victory highlighted the team's balanced attack, depth, and defensive resilience. Looking ahead, if the Buccaneers can replicate this level of play, particularly their second-half adjustments, they will be a formidable force in upcoming Gulf South Conference games.