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The series
Bluffton leads the all-time series against Thomas More 14-11, which dates back to the 1990-91 season. The series has been an even one, with four games being the longest winning streak by either team. Thomas More has defeated Bluffton in their last three meetings.
The coaches
Bluffton is led by first year head coach Amanda Curtis, who at 23 years old is the youngest collegiate head women’s basketball coach in the country. Curtis was a graduate assistant with the University of Akron last season after two years as a student coach for Albion College. Thomas More is led by head coach Sharri Brumfield, who has tallied 170 career wins and two NCAA Tournament appearances with the Saints.
Season records
Bluffton is now 1-12 on the season and is aiming for their first home win of the season tonight. Thomas More is currently 8-7 overall this season with a 4-4 mark when on the road.
Last season
Thomas More won both games over Bluffton last season as the Saints won at Thomas More 84-48 on Jan. 9 and in Founders Hall 81-72 on Feb. 6. In the game here in Founders Hall, Bluffton scored a season high 72 points as Melissa James scored 18 points, including a career high four three-pointers. Thomas More’s Holly Roberts led the Saints with 27 points. Thomas More used a balance scoring attack to defeat Bluffton on Jan. 9 as the Saints had five players score 10 or more points.
Last game
Bluffton is coming off a 76-48 loss to Anderson Saturday afternoon. The Beavers had a strong second half performance scoring 29 points and increasing their shooting percentage by nearly 10% but fell short of the comeback. Anderson shot 46% from the field and added 27 points from the line to improve to 11-2 overall and 3-1 in the HCAC. Thomas More is coming of a 73-57 loss at Franklin last Saturday. Carrie Clift and Joanna Bess both led Thomas More with 14 points.
James now in top 10
Bluffton senior Melissa James is playing in her 90th career game Wed. night, which ties her for 10th place in career games played. James has played in every varsity game so far in her career at BC. Jenny (Etzler) Fledderjohnn holds the BC record for games played with 102.
Bluffton leaders
Seniors Melissa James (10.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Lyndsey Robinson (10.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg) lead Bluffton in scoring and rebounding, while junior Karen Harris (7.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg) leads the team in steals with 27, which ranks 7th in the HCAC. Senior Paula Fry leads BC in assists with 26.
Thomas More leaders
The Saints are led by senior Holly Roberts who is currently averaging 18.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and has also hit a team high 39 three-pointers this season. The Saints defense may be their greatest weapon. Currently the Saints have five players with 20 steals or more including junior Joanna Bess’ 41. Thomas More is equipped with much depth on their beach including freshman Amanda Hoffman who is currently 11-25 from behind the arc.
HCAC team rankings
Bluffton ranks third in the HCAC in defensive rebounds (37.2 drpg) and offensive rebounds (13.92 orpg). Bluffton also ranks third in defending the three-pointer, allowing their opponents to shoot only .295 from behind the arc. Bluffton also has established a +1.2 rebounding margin which ranks fifth in the HCAC.
