MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Christian Brothers men's basketball (10-16, 6-14 GSC) put up a strong fight at Canale Arena on Monday evening, but a late surge by nationally-ranked No. 9 Valdosta State (22-4, 17-3 GSC) proved too much as the Buccaneers fell 93-82 in a fast-paced Gulf South Conference matchup.

Christian Thompson and Tane Kirisome led CBU's offensive effort with 19 points each. Thompson registered a double-double with 12 boards. Allen Hughes and Iman Kheirati also scored in double figures with 11 points apiece. Kheirati earned his double-double by grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds.

Carlos Hart was a dominant force for Valdosta State, leading all scorers with 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. He also added seven rebounds, four steals, and a block in an all-around effort.

Valdosta State leaned on its depth and transition game, finishing with 29 fast-break points and 30 points off the bench. The Blazers shot 47.8 percent from the field and 82.6 percent from the free-throw line, taking advantage of key possessions in the second half.

Christian Brothers kept pace in the first half, trailing just 42-40 at the break. The lead changed 10 times and the score was tied on seven occasions in the opening half as CBU refused to let the Blazers pull away. Kirisome was the key contributor in the half, posting 15 points compared to 11 by Valdosta's star man Hart.

The second half remained a tight battle, with another six lead changes and three ties. The Buccaneers held a six-point lead midway through the period, but Valdosta State's aggressive defense and transition offense fueled a 10-0 run that shifted the momentum. CBU tied the score one last time at the 5:16 mark on a second-chance hook shot from Thompson, before the Blazers were able to pull away for good down the stretch.

The Blazers capitalized on turnovers, converting 25 points off Christian Brothers' 22 giveaways. Both teams scored over 20 fast-break points to highlight the break-neck speed at which the game was played.

Christian Brothers dominated the boards, out rebounding VSU by a 52-28 margin.  

The Buccaneers must win their next game at Lee on Thursday night to remain in postseason contention. Union (8-12 GSC) and Lee (7-13 GSC) currently hold the last two remaining spots for GSC Tournament berths with two games remaining. CBU, AUM and West Florida all stand at 6-14 in conference play.