By Josh Milton

Sports Editor

GeauxTech narrowly defeated the Christian Student Center Guys 46-44 in a hard-fought nail biter in Departmental-Independent Division, 6-feet-and-under League basketball action Monday night.

After a slow start and GeauxTech leading 7-3 early, CSC guard Cody Channel hit back-to-back buckets, accompanied by a Jeremy Harris three-pointer to put CSC up 10-7 with about eight minutes to play in the first half.

CSC played a one-three-one defense and used that intensity to gain a 28-21 halftime lead. However, GeauxTech made the crucial defensive halftime adjustment to disrupt CSC's offensive rhythm.

GeauxTech's man-to-man defense proposed problems for CSC, but CSC matched GeauxTech's aggression in the second half, as each team ran the floor well and traded several buckets.

Channel slashed to the rim numerous times, and Harris provided the deep threat, connecting on three long-range bombs for CSC. Guard Robbie Bizzell also contributed significantly with quick defensive steps and leadership on the floor to set CSC's offense into motion.

However, it was often GeauxTech's Philip Riggs answering CSC's call, as each team battled for the lead throughout the game.

Then, with about two minutes remaining, GeauxTech clung to a 44-40 lead before CSC would make their run for victory.

Harris connected on a three-pointer to bring CSC within one at 44-43, before a defensive stop and a Channel free throw evened the score at 44 points apiece with 1:07 remaining.

After a GeauxTech made lay-up, CSC missed their next shot only to tangle with the GeauxTech's defender to force a jump ball with eight seconds in regulation. The possession arrow pointed toward CSC, and the score stood 46-44 in favor of GeauxTech while CSC called a timeout for a designed play.

CSC then emerged from the huddle and ran a triple screen for Bizzell, but the ball was mishandled and lost out of bounds as time expired, giving GeauxTech the 46-44 victory.

Each team played a tough, physical game, and Riggs was impressed with CSC's talent and conduct.

"That team is a good team," Riggs said. "They've got a great coach and good sportsmanship."

And although Bizzell was proud of his team's effort, he recognized CSC's over-pursuit as being harmful in the end.

"We were sloppy," Bizzell said. "We were trying to do things way too fast, and that is why we didn't win this game. We tried hard, but we just came a little short."

GeauxTech's Riggs led all scorers with 17 points, and Harris led CSC with 11 points, followed by Channel and Bizzell who had 10 and nine points, respectively.