Bucs Upset 20th Ranked Delta State
By Rori Eddie

Memphis, TN--With :28 seconds left to go on the clock, Buccaneer assistant coach Dave Moore could be heard yelling "Close the door," and the Bucs did just that scoring a major upset inside De LaSalle Gymnasium with a 66-63 victory over nationally ranked Delta State during tonight’s homecoming contest.

The Buccaneers trailed for the entire game until Clint Dowdle connected on one of his seven three point shots of the game to give the Bucs a 56-55 lead, a lead they would never relinquish. Delta State fought back trailing by one with one-minute left but two Buccaneer free throws and a tenacious defense would seal the victory.

For most of the game, it would appear the Bucs would come just short in an upset bid keeping close to the visiting Statesmen, trailing the game 31-22 at half. The Bucs were out rebounded 27-14 and out shot 43% to 25% with Clint Dowdle being the only bright spot for the Bucs shooting 2 of 3 from three-point land. Dowdle’s warm beginning would prove to be a scorcher in the second half as the freshman guard would score 18 points while shooting 5 of 5 from behind the arc.

The Bucs would shoot 55.2% in the second half, including an impressive 66.7% clip connecting on 8 of 12 attempts from long distance. The Bucs would also force 18 Delta State turnovers while committing only 10. The Bucs also won the assist war with a 14-10 advantage.

Dowdle would lead all scorers with 25 points and four assists. Adam Heitzman would add 10 points, 5 rebounds, and three assists. Jake Bazeley would lead the Bucs with 7 rebounds and four steals.

Walter Jackson would lead the Statesmen with 20 points. Ernie Ryans would add 11 points. Ramon Gary would contribute team high 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

The victory improves the Bucs record to 5-12 on the year, 2-5 in GSC play. The loss drops Delta State to a 12-4 record on the season, 5-3 in the GSC.

Christian Brothers University will return to the road to battle Ouachita Baptist on Monday, January 28th, at 8 P.M.