By: Joseph Watkins, sports information assistant
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's basketball team played host to conference foe Hanover College on Saturday, Feb. 15, in what was an absolute thriller on Copland Court. The home squad got off to a very slow start but started creeping back into the game after digging a 13-4 hole. Thanks to a career-high 33 points from Andrew Renner (Cairo/Lima), the Beavers were able to escape with a huge 76-72 overtime win over the Panthers. Bluffton improved to 14-9 overall and 10-6 in the Heartland Conference, while Hanover slipped to 16-7 overall and 10-6 in the HCAC. The Bluffton victory also assured the Beavers of a berth in the upcoming HCAC Tournament!
Bluffton was cold offensively, missing its first six shot attempts to start the game. Hanover, on the other hand, jumped out quickly as the Panthers led 8-0 when Kevin Williams nailed a pair of free throws with 16:25 left in the first half. But, the Beavers would climb back and cut their deficit to five (15-10) when Renner nailed a jumper with under 13 minutes to play in the opening half. After a back-and-forth first period, Hanover used a 7-0 run to take a 34-28 lead at the break.
The visitors saw their lead grow to 42-30 when Logan Ratts dropped a deuce for the Panthers with 15 minutes to go in the game. However, the home squad would not cave as they stormed back, cutting their deficit to five (46-41) when Jameel Cosby (Springfield/Kenton Ridge) convert a hoop and harm for the Beavers.
With just two minutes left to play, the visitors held a 60-55 lead and all they needed to do was salt it away. But, the home team had other ideas as they made it to a three-point game with the chance to tie it up on the final possession. They did just that when Renner found the handle and pulled up from nearly half court and banged a three ball to notch it at 62 heading into overtime. A jumper by Renner with 1:31 left in extra time made the score 73-65 which ultimately help seal the deal for the home squad on what was an absolutely electric win for Bluffton on Alumni Day.
Renner led all scorers with a career-high 33 points on 13-of-22 shooting from the field, including a ballistic 4-of-5 from three-point land. Cosby netted 20 of his own on 9-of-16 from the field, and he also pulled down four rebounds in the win. Senior Carter Kinnaird (Lewis Center/Olentangy) filled up the stat sheet with five points, six boards, two assists and three huge blocks! Junior Dezman Brown (Elyria) doled out a game-high six dimes to go along with career-high nine boards.
Bluffton netted 29-of-59 (49.2 percent) from the field, including 5-of-9 (55.6 percent) from distance. Hanover finished 26-of-66 (39.4 percent) from the field and 5-of-15 (33.3 percent) from behind the arc. The home team turned the ball over ten times, six more than the visitors. The Beavers pulled down three more boards (42-39)
Bluffton will be back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 19, when they play host to arch-rival Defiance College in the final home game of the season. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. following the conclusion of the women's game. Come out to the Sommer Center and cheer on your Beavers!
-BEAVERS-
