Beavers down Franklin at home 72-65
By Chad Hochstetler, sports information assistant
February 2, 2005
BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Bluffton University men’s basketball team (11-9, 4-5 HCAC) picked up an important win as they defeated Franklin College (13-7, 5-4 HCAC) on Feb. 2 in Founders Hall.
With the win, Bluffton becomes tied for fifth place in the Heartland Conference and moves within one game of a three-way tie for third place in the league
Franklin started the game by jumping out to a quick five point lead nearly three minutes into the contest. The Beavers fought right back and the lead changed a dozen times over the course of the first half. Strong shooting by both teams kept the game close going into halftime as the Grizzlies led, 35-33.
The second period continued with both teams exchanging the lead once again. Bluffton would tie the game at 47-47 with 15:05 left and never fell behind again. A layup by junior Eric Sweet (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) would give the Beavers a seven point lead with 2:36 remaining and the Grizzlies could not close the gap. The game was sealed by a steal and two late free throws with five seconds left by junior Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore). The final score would be 72-65 in favor of the Beavers.
Bergman finished with 24 points (team high) and now sits at 902 points for his career. He also dished out six assists which ties his career-high. Sweet contributed 12 points and grabbed four rebounds. Junior Darren Clark (Plain City/Jonathan Alder) rounded out double digit scoring and posted a career high with 11 points which included 3-of-4 shooting from behind the arc.
For the game Bluffton shot 50 percent (25-of-50) compared to 46 percent (24-of-52) for the Grizzlies. Each team pulled down 26 rebounds and the Beavers finished with 30 points in the paint to Franklin’s 24.
Bluffton will be back in action on Feb. 5 as they travel to HCAC foe Transylvania University. Tip off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
