Beavers escape with narrow victory over Mount St. Joseph
By Chad Hochstetler, sports information assistant
February 9, 2005
BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Bluffton University men’s basketball team (12-10, 5-6 HCAC) was able to hold on late in the game and defeat Mount St. Joseph (12-10, 5-6 HCAC) 69-67 on Feb 9 in Founders Hall.
With the victory the Beavers move into a three-way tie for fourth place in the Heartland Conference with foes Mount St. Joseph and Manchester.
Early in the game, Mount St. Joseph jumped out and took a quick five point lead. The Beavers answered right back going on a 10-0 run of their own, but the Lions took a 39-36 lead into halftime.
In the second half the Beavers slowly chipped away and took the lead for good with nine minutes and fourteen seconds remaining off of a three-pointer by junior Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore). Bluffton would increase its lead to eight points (64-56) by a Darren Clark (Plain City/Jonathan Alder) three-pointer with four minutes left. Mount St. Joseph fought back and capitalized on Beaver turnovers down the stretch to pull within one point with one minute remaining in the game. Time ran out on the last possession for the Lions with Bluffton pulling away with the win 69-67.
Leading Bluffton for the game was Bergman with 22 points and four rebounds. Sophomore Michael Anthony (Ohio City/Delphos St. John’s) was the only other Beaver in double figures with ten points. Sophomore Eric Schwieterman (St. Henry/St. Henry) dished out nine assists, seven points and grabbed four rebounds.
Bluffton finished the game shooting 50 percent (27-of-54) while the Lions shot 53 percent (28-of-53). The Beavers scored 17 points off of Lion turnovers. The Lions dominated in the paint scoring 34 points to Bluffton’s 22. Both teams posted 24 rebounds for the night.
The Beavers will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 12 as they travel to Anderson University. Tip off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
