UMSL Falls to Hot Shooting Buccaneers

Memphis, Tenn. – The University of Missouri-St. Louis men's basketball team lost to a hot-shooting Christian Brothers University on Tuesday night, falling 73-54.

UMSL had an early lead in the first half, leading 7-5 after a three pointer by Cody Kliethermes four minutes into the game. The lead went back and forth for the next several minutes and CBU led by one point, 14-13, midway through the opening half. The Buccaneers would close the half with a 9-2 run and took a 33-22 lead going into halftime. CBU kept that run going with a three pointer to open the second half, but UMSL would fight back and close the deficit to eight points at 39-31 after a pair of free throws by Nathan Whittaker with 17 minutes remaining. Later in the game, UMSL would close the gap even more, pulling within five points at 50-45 with 9:15 left in the game after a bucket by Stanley Boateng. CBU would then use a 12-0 run later in the half to establish control and went on from there for the 73-54 win.

UMSL was led by Octavious Hawkins with 16 points and six rebounds on the night. Brett Ledbetter added 15 points and Paul DeChellis pulled down a career best nine rebounds for the second straight game. Christian Brothers shot 66.7% from the field while UMSL shot 37.0% in the loss.

The Rivermen are now 4-4 on the season and will take a break for the Holidays before returning to action on Saturday, December 30, for a home game against Blackburn.