First Half

• The Buccaneers jumped out to an early lead, starting with a fast-paced offense and strong interior scoring.
• Notable Plays:
  • Jailen Anderson scored the game's opening points with a layup, assisted by Christian Thompson.
  • Iman Kheirati drained a three-pointer at 18:18, assisted by Tane Kirisome, giving Christian Brothers a 5-3 lead.
  • Christian Thompson added a layup to extend the lead to 7-6.

• Delta State took control with a quick 7-0 run, capitalizing on turnovers and converting free throws.
• Kolby Horace hit back-to-back three-pointers during this stretch, shifting momentum and putting Delta State up 10-7.

• Christian Brothers fired back with an 8-2 run to reclaim the lead, fueled by their rebounding dominance and fast-break opportunities.
• Key Contributions:
  • Jemeal Goines scored a jumper to tie the game at 12-12.
  • Jailen Anderson's pair of free throws at 12:58 capped the run, putting Christian Brothers ahead 17-12.

Second Half

• Coming out of halftime, the Buccaneers opened with an 11-5 run, fueled by a combination of outside shooting and fast-break layups.
• Key Plays:
  • Iman Kheirati drained a three-pointer to extend the lead to 47-41 at 19:20.
  • Kyler Mann converted a fast-break layup at 16:41, assisted by Jailen Anderson, extending the lead to 54-48.

• Delta State turned the tide with a decisive 12-0 run. Their aggressive defense forced turnovers, leading to easy points in transition.
• Highlights:
  • Keithean Brooks hit a three-pointer at 17:35 to cut the lead to 50-48.
  • Chris Terrell's layup at 10:18 gave Delta State a 60-54 advantage, completing the run.

• The Buccaneers regained momentum with a 6-0 run, narrowing the gap.
• Notable Plays:
  • Iman Kheirati's tip-in at 8:51 brought Christian Brothers within 2 points (60-58).
  • Allen Hughes converted a fast-break layup at 7:29 to tie the game at 60-60.

• Delta State's offense caught fire again with an 8-2 run, including Kolby Horace's crucial layup and free throw at 1:26 that put them up for good.

• The Buccaneers fought until the end, with Jailen Anderson scoring a critical layup at 0:45 to keep the game within reach. Despite their best efforts, Delta State's defense held strong in the final moments.

Positives to Build On

• Rebounding Dominance: Christian Brothers out-rebounded Delta State 42-23, including an impressive 14 offensive boards. This edge in rebounding reflects the team's physicality and effort, particularly in a game where second-chance points (18 for CBU) played a significant role in keeping the score tight.
• Points in the Paint: The Buccaneers owned the interior, scoring 44 points in the paint. This highlights the team's ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact, a promising sign of their offensive potential moving forward.
• Bench Contributions: With 22 points coming from non-starters, Christian Brothers demonstrated depth and a next-man-up mentality that will be crucial in a long season.

Standout Performances: A Look at the Leaders

1. Iman Kheirati was the spark plug for the Buccaneers, delivering an exceptional 19-point performance on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 2-for-2 from three-point range. His versatility and composure in high-pressure moments were evident, giving Christian Brothers a reliable scoring option.
2. Jemeal Goines anchored the paint with a double-double, tallying 11 points and 12 rebounds. His dominance on the boards, including four offensive rebounds, created multiple second-chance opportunities that kept the game competitive.
3. Jailen Anderson displayed his all-around game, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Anderson's ability to facilitate offense and rebound at the guard position added an invaluable dimension to the Buccaneers' play.

The Path Ahead