BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Bluffton University men’s basketball team (7-7, 1-3 HCAC) was defeated 80-75 by Transylvania University (12-2, 4-0 HCAC) on Jan. 15.
Junior Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) had a career afternoon, tying the Bluffton single-game free throw percentage record as he shot 10-for-10 from the charity stripe. Bergman also scored a career high 30 points while adding five rebounds (team-high) and two assists. Junior Eric Sweet (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) posted 13 points, four rebounds and three steals in the game.
Transylvania led by as many as 16 points in the first half before Bluffton would close the gap late in the period. A Bergman three pointer would start the Beavers run as buckets by Nathan Chivington (Trenton/Miami East), P.J. Juenger (Loveland/Archbishop Moeller) and Darren Clark (Plain City/Jonathan Alder) would squeeze the Pioneer lead to seven points at halftime (Transylvania 38, Bluffton 31). Transylvania started out the second period strong as they propelled their lead to 15 points. Key shots and a good defensive effort by the Beavers would bring them back to within two points with four minutes left in the contest. The contest remained close for the rest of the half as Bluffton would have to use five fouls in the final minute to stop the clock. The Pioneers then connected on nine free throws in the last minute to take the contest, 80-75.
Bluffton will back in action on Jan. 17 as they take on Marygrove College. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Founders Hall.
