By: Nathan Zuercher, sports information assistant
D3hoops.com Notables Column 1-29-21
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. - The Bluffton University women's basketball team traveled to Manchester for another battle with the Spartans on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. The Beavers dominated in every aspect of the game, winning 85-68 while improving to 11-1. Manchester fell to 1-10 on the year and 0-5 against the Beavers.
While it was a great win for the Beavers, it was a sensational night for junior forward Brianna Gillig (New Riegel). Gillig scored 41 points against the Spartans, shattering the former record of 33 held by Laurie Blough (1975-76), Cheryl Althaus (1980-81) and Jen Baer (2000-01).
The Beavers started out hot in the first quarter, scoring 22 points. Gillig drove the bus in the first quarter, going 4-of-6 from the field and 1-of-1 from downtown for 11 quick points. Emma Saltzman (Arcadia) also tossed in five first-quarter points, giving the Beavers frontcourt a nice start. At the end of the first, the Beavers led 22-18.
Gillig kept right on pace in stanza two, scoring 12 more points. Senior guard Nora Hemminger (McComb) and freshman backcourt mate Taylor Malson (Castalia/Margaretta) both tossed in two points in the quarter as Bluffton took a 41-35 lead into the break.
The third quarter was more of the same from Gillig, netting another 10, including a triple from downtown. Freshman Maddie Fitzpatrick (Mount Gilead) scored five in the quarter, making a trifecta of her own. The Beavers held a slim seven-point lead heading into the final period (42-35).
The fourth saw the Beavers blow the doors down. They scored 23 points, compared to 12 for the Spartans as Bluffton stretched its lead to as many as 19. The frontcourt duo of Saltzman and Gillig scored 12 in the fourth, while Fitzpatrick and Shardo (Findlay/Liberty-Benton) combined for 11 counters.
The double-digit scorers for the Beavers were Gillig with the new single-game record (41), Saltzman (12) and Fitzpatrick (11). Gillig also had (10) boards, giving her another double double. Hemminger doled out a career-high six assists for the victors. Saltzman added seven rebounds and two blocks, while Fitzpatrick finished with five dimes.
The Beavers shot an outstanding 52.5 percent (32-of-61) from the field, compared to 43.1 percent for the Spartans. From behind the arc the Beavers were 7-of-21 (33.3 percent) while the Spartans converted 5-for-17 (29.4 percent). Bluffton pulled down six more rebounds (36-30) and turned it over just six times on Friday night.
The two squads will play for the sixth time this season on Saturday, Jan. 30. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m. in the Sommer Center.
-BEAVERS-