December 30, 2016
By: Jared Sleutz, sports information assistant

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's basketball team welcomed visiting Ohio Midwestern to the 2016 McDonald's Holiday Tournament on Friday, Dec. 30. Following an exciting 80-74 Muskingum victory over Grove City in opener, Bluffton dominated the Rams in a 78-38 nightcap demolition. Bluffton improved to 7-2 on the year in the first game for the Beavers since December 10.

Leading the Beavers in scoring with 10 points apiece were sophomore JARED WENTLING (Carey), junior KEVIN CHRISTIE (Miamisburg/Bishop Fenwick) and sophomore JUSTIS DOWDY (Van Wert/Lincolnview). Wentling added five boards in just 12 minutes on the floor. TREY ELCHERT(Jackson Center) doled out a game-high five assists for the victors and junior AUSTIN MOORE(Maumee/St. John's Jesuit) pulled down six boards.

Ohio Midwestern struggled to knock down shots from the field as the Rams were just 16-of-67 (23.9 percent) from the floor while the Beavers were 28-of-58 (48.3 percent). Bluffton had a 43-40 edge in rebounding battle while the visitors coughed the ball up 14 times. The home team ruled the paint with a 28-16 spread.

Bluffton advances to the McDonald's title game at 2 PM on Saturday, Dec. 31, as the Beavers take on Muskingum. Ohio Midwestern matches up with Grove City in the consolation game at noon on Saturday.

-BEAVERS-