Box Score Saint Thomas, VI – In the first of a two game series against the University of the Virgin Islands, the home Buccaneers prevailed 71-55 over the Grace Christian University men's basketball team.

Grace would come out of the gates ice cold, only connecting on 2 of 14 three-point shots in the first half, but played solid enough defensively to stay in the game.  After the score remained pretty even throughout the entirety of the first 20 minutes, the Buccaneers knocked down a three-point shot at the halftime buzzer to take a seven point lead and some momentum along with it into the locker room at the break.

The second half was no better offensively for the Tigers, as they continued their cold shooting and finished 4-22 from beyond the arc.  They would defend well, but offensive rebounds and a hot-shooting night from Buccaneers leading scorer Keith Gilmore (game-high 37 points) would ultimately lift UVI to victory.

Brandon Winchester-Jones led the Tigers with 15 points, and Adam Kregel was the only other Tiger in double-figures scoring with 10 points on the night.  Senior forward Austin Jackson scored 8 points, but did not play the final 24 minutes of the game (coach's decision).

"I remember last year the first game down here was really tough," said Head Coach Gary Bailey.  "I don't know if it was the travel or just not being ready to play, but we have to be better tomorrow."

The good news for the Tigers, is they will have a chance for redemption on Saturday at the same tip-off time (6:30 pm EST) against the Buccaneers to conclude their trip to the US Virgin Islands.