Wonder Boys Pass Bucs In GSC Opener
By Rori Eddie

Memphis--In its first action of the year 2002, its first action of the Gulf South Conference schedule and its first action in 19 days, the Christian Brothers University men’s basketball team came up short, as Arkansas Tech University recorded the 83-77 victory inside Tucker Coliseum tonight.

Despite winning the battle of the boards (35-29) and outscoring the Wonder Boys 42-41 in the second-half, Christian Brothers University could not overcome its 35-42-halftime deficit.

Tech out-shot the Buccaneers 49.2 percent to 42.2 percent from the field for the contest, while the Wonder Boys held with definite advantage from the free throw line with a 76.0 shooting percentage compared to CBU’s disappointing 8-of-18 effort.

The victory improves Arkansas Tech to a 5-6 stand on the season and a 1-0 mark in GSC action, while CBU drops to 3-7 on the year and 0-1 in league action.

Arkansas Tech featured a balanced scoring attack with all five starters cracking the double-figure barrier, including Steven Willis’ game-high 25 points on a 9-of-13 shooting performance. Tim Black added 14 points in his 26 minutes of action, while teammate Ernie Prude collected a team-high nine caroms to pair with his 10 points. Jeremy Johnson and Dustin Smith chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively

Despite the loss, sophomore guard Matt Francis poured in a season-high 23 points behind an 8-of-12 outing from the floor, including five three-pointers. Adam Heitzman also matched the five three-pointers made total before finishing with 20 points on the night. Inside the paint, Brandon Corbin netted 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Bucs.

Christian Brothers University will return to the hardwood Monday, January 7th, inside De La SALLE Gymnasium against the visiting Boll Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM.