By Scott Van Eman, SID Assistant
February 25, 2003

Bluffton College was defeated by Mount St. Joseph 67-44 in the first round of the Heartland Conference tournament Tuesday night. The Beavers finished the 2002-2003 season 2-23 overall and 1-13 in the Heartland Conference.

Bluffton gained an early 6-4 edge over the Lions on a three-point field goal by Lindsay Bacon with 14:07 remaining in the first half. Bacon struck again on the Beavers next possession sinking another three-pointer and extending the Beavers lead to five. However, Mount St. Joseph would not be denied. The Lions cut the Beavers lead by scoring on their next two possessions, gaining the lead which they would not give up with 9:44 remaining in the first half. The Lions extended their lead to eight points by the close of the first half and, although three free throws by Karen Harris cut the Lions lead to five early in the second half, the Beavers played much of the second half trailing by double digits.

Bluffton posted their season high in free throw percentage in the game shooting .824 percent from the line. Their previous season high was .800 which they reached twice during the 2002-2003 season. Bluffton shot only .255 from the field which was their second lowest output of the season. Bluffton also made only 14 field goals which tied for the second lowest field goals made of the season.

Lyndsey Robinson fell two points shy of recording her fifth double-double of the season but was still among the leaders for Bluffton scoring eight points and recording 10 rebounds. Leading scorer Melissa James scored nine points for Bluffton while Lindsay Bacon added eight.

Tonight's game marked the end of collegiate basketball for six Bluffton seniors. All six seniors dressed for their final game. Seniors included Kirsten Siller, Paula Fry, Melissa James, Liesel Hughett, Heather Demery, and Lyndsey Robinson.