HOUSTON, TX- The University of St. Thomas opened the new year hosting Colorado College at the Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center. Coming off strong previously from tournament play, the Celts performed with confidence and control, earning their second conference victory with a dominating 78–62 win, extending their winning streak to seven games.

St. Thomas earned the opening possession but allowed Colorado College to strike first. Corey Thompson quickly answered with a jumper to put the Celts on the board. The teams traded baskets early, but momentum shifted when Thompson forced a steal that led to a fast-break jumper by Nathan Kongolo, assisted by Reyce Allen, pushing UST ahead 9–4. Angel Johnson later knocked down a three-pointer to extend the lead to 14–7 as the Celts continued to apply pressure. After steady back-and-forth points were scored, Nicholas Buffalo finished inside off a Kongolo assist to keep UST rolling at 22–15. With 10 minutes remaining, the Celts capitalized at the free-throw line as Brennan Webb utilized all three attempts well, after being given a three-shot foul. Strong energy off the bench followed, highlighted by Tamarcus Butler grabbing a defensive rebound and finishing in transition, then setting up Webb for a three-pointer. UST maintained its composure down the stretch, closing the half with a dominant sequence from Reyce Allen—throwing down a dunk, knocking down a jumper, and finishing a fast-break layup, all assisted by Johnson—to head into halftime with a commanding 47–31 lead.

Colorado College opened the second half with the first basket, but UST responded immediately as Allen finished another layup in the paint off a Johnson assist to keep control. The Celts continued to build their lead through strong execution, and at the 14-minute mark, Buffalo pulled down a key defensive rebound that led to a three-pointer from Webb, again assisted by Johnson. Webb stayed aggressive, adding consecutive jumpers as Butler secured rebounds on the defensive end, while Garrett Rodgers added a free throw to push the Celts ahead 63–46 with eight minutes remaining. St. Thomas maintained its intensity as the Tigers attempted to rally, holding a 72–57 advantage with three minutes to play. A full lineup substitution followed, and the Celts continued to execute. Maksat Hojaberdiyyev and Danny Canul added late points, and the final basket of the game came on a fast-break layup from JP Olivarez, assisted by Zach Consoulin after a defensive rebound, sealing the 78–62 victory.

Corey Thompson led the Celts with 13 points, while Brennan Webb matched him with 13 points and went a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. Reyce Allen added 10 points and provided a strong presence on both ends of the floor. Charles Gitonga contributed six rebounds evenly on offense and defense, and Nicholas Buffalo anchored the paint with a game-high of 10 rebounds.

Up Next:
The Celts continue conference play as they prepare for their next matchup, remaining at their home court to host University of Dallas on Friday, Jan 9th @5:30 PM. Game details and updates will be available on ustcelts.com, and fans can follow along on Instagram at @ustmbasketball.