Memphis,TN- On February 21, 2026, at the UWF Field House, the final score read 77–51 in favor of the University of West Florida.

But for the Christian Brothers University Buccaneers, the numbers reveal far more than a deficit, they reveal fight, flashes of brilliance, and a foundation worth building on.

A Strong Opening Statement

CBU didn't just show up, they set the tone.

They shot an impressive 43.8% in the first quarter and hit 50% from three-point range, jumping out to an 18–13 lead. At one point, they held an eight-point advantage and controlled nearly nine minutes of the opening period.

Against a team with a winning conference record, CBU dictated pace early, forced turnovers, and attacked the paint with confidence.

That first quarter wasn't luck, it was execution.

Individual Bright Spots

Several Buccaneers turned in performances that deserve recognition:

• Maria Braga led the way with 16 points on 7-of-15 shooting, providing offensive rhythm and confidence.

• Alice Conrad added 13 points, including early momentum-building shots that fueled CBU's first-quarter run.

• Emily Sawyer contributed 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, anchoring the interior defense and battling on the glass.

Sawyer's presence in the paint was particularly impactful, her shot-blocking and rebounding kept CBU competitive even when momentum shifted.

Competing on the Glass

CBU finished with 36 rebounds, only four fewer than West Florida. They grabbed 12 offensive boards, creating second-chance opportunities and showing determination on every possession.

Rebounding is about effort, and CBU matched their opponent's physicality throughout much of the night.