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Christian Brothers University Athletics

MBB2425 Kirisome
Pastor Arkoh, Photographer
59
Winner Christian Brothers CB 7-7,3-5 Gulf South
55
West Florida UWF 4-10,3-5 Gulf South
Winner
Christian Brothers CB
7-7,3-5 Gulf South
59
Final
55
West Florida UWF
4-10,3-5 Gulf South
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Christian Brothers CB 16 43 59
West Florida UWF 32 23 55

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

Christian Brothers mounts epic comeback to defeat West Florida

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Christian Brothers men's basketball (7-7, 3-5 GSC) staged an incredible second-half comeback to defeat West Florida (4-10, 3-5 GSC) by a final score of 59-55 at the UWF Field House on Thursday night. Trailing by 16 points at halftime, Christian Brothers relied on improved shooting, strong defense, and critical performances by key players to secure the win.

First Half

Christian Brothers struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 25.9 percent from the field, including 0-for-7 from beyond the arc. Despite efforts by Kyler Mann and Iman Kheirati, combining for 10 points and 13 rebounds in the opening half, the Buccaneers found themselves down 32-16 at halftime. West Florida shot 45.2 percent from the floor in comparison and drained three shots from beyond the arc to create a massive deficit for CBU to overcome in the second half.

Second Half Turnaround

The second half told a completely different story. Christian Brothers shot an impressive 53.6 percent from the field and made 5-of-9 shots from three-point range. Tane Kirisome caught fire, scoring 15 of his 15 points in the second half and hitting three critical three-pointers that swung the momentum. Kyler Mann also delivered a standout performance with a double-double, notching 11 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.

Defensively, the Buccaneers tightened up, holding West Florida to just 28 percent shooting in the second half. Christian Brothers forced critical turnovers during West Florida's possessions and converted them into fast-break points.

Key Moments

  • Momentum Swing: Christian Brothers went on an 11-0 run early in the second half, reducing the deficit to single digits (34-27).
  • Closing The Gap: A 12-2 run by CBU midway through the second stanza put the Bucs up by one, 49-48, around the seven-minute mark. 
  • Kyler Mann's Three-Point Bucket: Mann knocked down a shot from beyond the arc with 3:21 left to give CBU a 56-54 lead.
  • Game-Winning Free Throws: Allen Hughes sealed the game at the free-throw line, hitting three clutch shots in the final seconds to extend the lead to four points.

Player Highlights

  • Kyler Mann: A dominant presence in the paint with 11 points and 17 rebounds.
  • Tane Kirisome: Led the scoring with 15 points, including three three-pointers.
  • Christian Thompson: Added 13 points, including pivotal free throws down the stretch.

Final Statistics

  • Field Goal Percentage: Christian Brothers shot 40 percent overall compared to West Florida's 37.5 percent.
  • Rebounds: Christian Brothers out-rebounded West Florida 39-31, with 12 offensive boards.
  • Turnovers: Christian Brothers forced 16 turnovers while committing 13.

Looking Ahead

This win lifts the Bucs' confidence at a critical point in the season while showcasing their resilience and ability to overcome significant deficits. It was a crucial victory as Christian Brothers looks to build momentum going into another road test at Valdosta State on Saturday.
 
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