Bucs Fall Short In Exhibition
By Rori Eddie

Memphis--The Christian Brothers University men’s basketball team made its 2001-2002 debut appearance in De LaSalle Gymnasium tonight with an exhibition match-up against Spirit Express.

Spirit Express rained on the Bucs parade, 105-99, and it was the rain that fell from beyond the three-point line that allowed Express to play the role of spoilers.

Express drained five of 12 from behind the arc in the first period, only to return in the second half to shot an impressive 55.6 percent. The Express also combined to shot 61 percent from the floor for the game.

Former Ole Miss forward, Jon Cantrell connected on 7-of-9 attempts from long distance to end with 29 points in 24 minutes of action, but former Ole Miss teammate, Jason Smith paced the Spirit effort with a game-high 33 points.

Despite the loss, head coach Mike Nienaber and staff have much to take away from the CBU showing, as three of the freshman newcomers made significant contributions, including Jake Bazeley’s (Cincinnati, OH) 11-point effort off the bench. Clint Dowdle (Cordova) and Paul Walker (Collierville) combined for 14 points.

Adam Heitzman led the Bucs with 18 points on a 7-of-8 shooting performance from the floor. Heitzman would play on 12 minutes after suffering an ankle sprain.

Senior forward Brandon Corbin (Nashville) also found double-digits with a 14-point effort, while senior center Shemon "Boo" Reaves (Bolivar, TN) collected his first double-double of the season with a 10-point, 10-board outing. Matt Francis (New Orleans, LA) would add 12 points, while Joshua Moses (Ettrick, VA) recorded 10 points.

The Bucs will begin their regular season schedule in The Northern Kentucky Tournament this weekend. Christian Brothers will match-up with Central State University on Saturday, November 17th, at 6 PM in Highland Heights, KY.