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Christian Brothers University Athletics

MBB2425 Thompson/Kheirati
Pastor Arkoh, Photographer
75
Christian Brothers CB 7-8,3-6 Gulf South
90
Winner Valdosta St. VSU 13-2,8-1 Gulf South
Christian Brothers CB
7-8,3-6 Gulf South
75
Final
90
Valdosta St. VSU
13-2,8-1 Gulf South
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Christian Brothers CB 43 32 75
Valdosta St. VSU 38 52 90

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | James Garcia, Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

Bucs overpowered in second half by No. 19 Valdosta State

VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Christian Brothers Buccaneers men's basketball team (7-8, 3-6 GSC) faced a formidable challenge in their matchup against nationally-ranked No. 19 Valdosta State (13-2, 8-1 GSC) on Saturday afternoon. Despite a strong start, the Buccaneers were unable to maintain their momentum, falling 90-75 to the Blazers at The Complex.

First Half Highlights

Christian Brothers came out firing, shooting an impressive 62.1 percent from the field in the first half. The Buccaneers dominated the paint, scoring 28 of their 43 first-half points close to the basket. Key contributors included Christian Thompson, who finished the half with eight points and six rebounds, and Kyler Mann, who chipped in four points and six boards. Tane Kirisome provided an outside threat, hitting two three-pointers en route to 10 points by halftime.

Christian Brothers built a 10-point lead by the seven-minute mark, thanks to efficient ball movement and stifling defense. However, turnovers (15 in the first half) allowed Valdosta State to stay in the game, trimming the Buccaneers' lead to 43-38 by the break.

Second Half Struggles

The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. The Blazers ramped up their defense, forcing Christian Brothers into 12 additional turnovers. Valdosta State capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 17 points off turnovers. They also found their groove offensively, shooting 60.6 percent from the field, including 6-for-11 from beyond the arc.

The Bucs struggled to replicate their first-half efficiency, shooting only 38.7 percent in the second half and missing all eight of their three-point attempts. Despite Christian Thompson's continued dominance in the paint (finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds), the Buccaneers were outscored 52-32 in the final 20 minutes.

Key Performances

  • Christian Thompson: The forward delivered a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, including 6 offensive boards.
  • Kyler Mann: Mann was a force on the glass, pulling down 10 rebounds while adding 10 points to record a double-double.
  • Iman Kheirati: Kheirati showed poise at the free-throw line, going a perfect 7-for-7 en route to 13 points. He was one rebound shy of a double-double.
  • Tane Kirisome: Kirisome knocked down two shots from behind the arc on the way to 12 points for the game.

Turning Points

  • Turnovers: The Buccaneers committed 27 turnovers, compared to just five by the Blazers, which led to a 34-4 deficit in points off turnovers.
  • Bench Scoring: Valdosta State's bench outscored Christian Brothers' reserves 51-14, fueled by JC Clausi's team-high 18 points.
  • Second-Half Three-Point Shooting: While Christian Brothers went cold from deep, Valdosta State converted 54.5 percent of their second-half three-point attempts, creating a scoring gap the Buccaneers could not overcome.

What's Next

The Buccaneers will look to regroup and reduce turnovers as they prepare for their next conference matchup against Trevecca Nazarene (10-4, 5-3 GSC) on Thursday night at Canale Arena.
 
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