By Bill Hanefeld Jr., sports information director
November 26, 2005
BLUFFTON, Ohio -The Bluffton University men's basketball team (2-0) traveled to Heidelberg College on Saturday, November 26, 2005 and picked up its second consecutive victory with an 84-73 win over the Student Princes.
The Beavers started slow, much like they did in the season-opening victory over Earlham, but they settled down midway through the first half following a COLT CUNNINGHAM(Powell/Worthington Christian) triple and clawed back into the game. Junior RICKY REUCHER(Toledo/Central Catholic) knocked down three consecutive baskets and senior DARREN CLARK (Plain City/Jonathon Alder) dropped in a three-pointer to close the gap to 20-14 with just under 10 minutes to play in the first half after the Student Princes had jumped on top 15-2. Bluffton continued to chip away at the Heidelberg advantage until the Beavers finally grabbed a 22-21 lead when junior MIKE ANTHONY (Ohio City/Delphos St. John's) took the ball away from the Student Princes and converted at the other end with just over five minutes left in the first half. Bluffton and Heidelberg traded baskets for the remainder of the first half as the Beavers went into halftime with a 32-31 lead.
Clark knocked down a three-point shot to open the second half but Heidelberg scored two quick baskets to knot the game at 35 with 18 minutes to play. Senior ERIC SWEET (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) was persistent on the offensive boards as he hit two shots in the paint to give Bluffton a 42-37 advantage at the 16-minute mark. Junior DAVID PATCH (Minster/Minster) capped a 6-0 Beaver run when he nailed a jumper that gave Bluffton a 50-41 lead midway through the second stanza. The Beavers opened their biggest advantage of the game (66-52) when senior SCOTT BERGMAN (Elmore/Woodmore) sank two free throws with just under six minutes to play. Bluffton connected on eight free throws down the stretch to secure the 84-73 victory.
Clark scored a career-high 17 points as he extended the Heidelberg defense by hitting three triples. Sweet, who finished with his fifth career double-double, led the Beavers with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Bergman hit 10-12 shots at the charity stripe on his way to a 16 point and seven rebound effort. Reucher tied his career-high with six points.
Bluffton will be back in action on Tuesday, November 29 when it hosts Concordia College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.