By: Shannon Ramer and Jordon Bruner
January 6, 2007
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's basketball team overcame a 16-point first half deficit, but it was unable to knock off the Anderson University Ravens, falling 59-56. The loss dropped the Beavers to 2-12 overall, 0-5 in Heartland Conference play.
Bluffton grabbed its first lead of the game since the 18-minute mark of the first half when two free throws by TANYA RICKENBERG (Paulding/Paulding) gave the Beavers a 54-53 advantage with six minutes to play. Rickenberg, AMANDA BELL(Napoleon/Liberty Center), and LINDSAY EBBESKOTTE (Delphos/Jefferson) each scored eight points during a 15-minute stretch to start the second half as Bluffton went on a 28-11 run.
One possession later, a layup by KAYLA MARTIN helped the Ravens reclaim the lead, 55-54. MANDY SEWARD pushed the lead to three, 57-54, nailing a jumper with 2:34 remaining in the game.
Two free throws by Rickenberg pulled the Beavers within one with just over a minute to play.
Bluffton had a chance to take the lead as Ebbeskotte was fouled on her rebound following a missed free throw by MELENDA HAWTHORNE. Hawthorne sealed the victory for the Ravens when she hauled in Ebbeskotte's miss from the charity stripe.
Hawthorne drained both free throw attempts to put Anderson up, 59-56. Rickenberg's three-point attempt at the buzzer fell short giving the Ravens their fourth HCAC victory of the season.
Anderson jumped out to a 15-6 lead just seven minutes into the game by pounding the ball inside to post players STACIE JENNINGS and Martin.
The Ravens extended their lead throughout the rest of the half as they went into the locker room up 40-26. Anderson shot an amazing 73 percent from the field in the first half.
Rickenberg led the team with 16 points, while also pulling down seven rebounds. ANGIE LEE (Mt. Blanchard/Vanlue) and Bell each added 10 points for the Beavers. Bush and Ebbeskotte contributed with eight points apiece, while Bush grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.
The Beavers return to action on Wednesday, January 10, 2007, when they host Manchester College. Tip-off in Founders Hall is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
-BEAVERS-