By: Takayla Gadberry, sports information assistant

NEW WILMINGTON, Penn. - The Bluffton University men's basketball team hit the court for a matchup with Thiel College on Saturday, Nov. 16, for day two of the Buzz Ridl Classic. The Beavers secured a convincing 83-58 victory over the Tomcats. Bluffton improved to 1-1 on the season, while Thiel slipped to 1-3.

An early 5-0 run from the Beavers, highlighted by an Andrew Renner (Cairo/Bath) triple, gave Bluffton a 12-6 advantage. Six points for Thiel slowed the Beavers, but it wouldn't be long before Dezman Brown (Elyria) hit from outside the arc to tie it up at 23-23. A three-point shot from the Tomcats gave Thiel a one-point lead before two makes at the charity strip for Jerred Kinnaird (Lewis Center/Olentangy) gave the Beavers a 35-34 lead at the half.

A 10-5 run from Bluffton made it 47-41 just under four minutes into the second stanza. Brown and Jameel Cosby (Springfield/Kenton Ridge) both hit from the paint, pushing the lead to 14. Bluffton continued to keep its feet on the accelerator, pushing the lead to as many as 27 points before sealing the 83-56 victory.

Renner led the Beaver offense with 18 points. Brown and Cosby both chipped in 15 markers, with Isaiah Taylor (Yellow Springs) putting up 14. Brown, Taylor and Kinnaird all pulled down seven rebounds in the victory.

Bluffton was able to connect on 31-of-70 (44.3 percent) from the field, including 8-of-21 (38.1 percent) from deep. Thiel only hit 17-of-46 (37 percent) from the field but were 5-of-9 (55.6 percent) from deep. The Beavers also netted 13-of-17 (76.5 percent) of their foul shots. Bluffton pulled down 12 more boards (46-34) while also forcing eight more turnovers (19-11).

The men are back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 20, when they travel to Kalamazoo. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Go Beavers!