Beavers have good showing against Division I Bowling Green
By Ben Risinger, Sports Information Director
December 8, 2004
Game Pictures - First Half | Second Half
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Bluffton University men’s basketball team (3-4) was defeated 87-60 by Div. I Bowling Green State University (4-1) at Anderson Arena on Dec. 8. 
Leading Bluffton for the night was junior Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) who posted a team-high 15 points and five rebounds. Junior Eric Sweet (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) ended the double figure scoring with 11 points. Sophomore Michael Anthony (Ohio City/Delphos St. Johns) and junior Michael Kingsley (Bluffton/Bluffton) both ended the game with nine points.
“We played very well and we played very hard,” head coach Guy Neal said. “We would go through a few minutes when everything was good and then they (Bowling Green) would have a six to ten point spurt. I just think that’s the difference in the level of play between Division I and Division III.”
Bowling Green came into the contest with a definite height advantage forcing the Beavers to take their game outside. The tallest man on Bluffton’s roster is 6’6” (Eric Sweet) compared to Bowling Green who has six players who are 6’6” or taller. The Falcons height advantage would hurt the Beavers inside game as it limited them to only 12 points in the lane as Bowling Green posted 52 points under the bucket.
The Beavers came out strong, determined not to let the game get away from them as they led 7-6 early in the contest. Continuously throughout the first period the Beavers stayed with the Falcons as they kept the game within 14 points until seven minutes were left in the half. The score at halftime was Bowling Green 42, Bluffton 21.
The Falcons came out strong in the second half as they went on a 8-0 run to start things off. The Beavers would not give up and jolted right back with their own 5-0 run to get back into the game. Despite an outstanding effort and clutch play, the Falcons overpowered Bluffton to take the contest. The final score would be Bowling Green 87, Bluffton 60.
“We got some good looks and we did have a little jitters and tightness. I was pleased with our alertness and our kids fought hard,” Neal said. “I was so proud of the effort of the guys tonight.”
The Beavers did go outside to shoot as they were 9 of 28 from the three point line and 18 of 51 in total field goals for the game. Bluffton shot 35 percent compared to Bowling Green’s 64 percent for the contest.
The Beavers will be in action again on Saturday, Dec. 18, when they travel to Hiram College. Tip off for the contest is scheduled for 3 p.m.
