By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Reserve Christian went into the Thanksgiving break on a bitter note. But Chris Roussell’s 33 points helped the Eagles rebound at home on Monday night with an 80-67 victory over H.L. Bourgeois.

Kaliff Gastearl scored 16 for the Eagles (13-2). Matt Cali added 10.

Reserve Christian led Bourgeois (3-4) by 20 at halftime and by 28 after three quarters.

“We shot real well in the first half and played really well defensively,” said Reserve Christian Coach Timmy Byrd. “We really played well for two-and-a-half quarters, but we lost our focus and let them back into it.”

Reserve Christian had lost two straight games after winning its first 12 of the season. It lost 54-47 in the final of the Woodlawn tournament to Istrouma, then 79-46 to Class 4A power Helen Cox.

But the team’s showing against Bourgeois indicates that the Eagles have hardly lost their swagger. Today, Reserve Christian will begin play in the C.Y.O. tournament in New Orleans, which will go on until Saturday. The Eagles will then travel to face East St. John on Tuesday.