By: Shannon Ramer, sports information assistant
January 17, 2007

BLUFFTON, Ohio. - The Bluffton University women's basketball improved to 4-13 and 2-6 in Heartland Conference play after defeating Mount St. Joseph in Founders Hall, 67-44, on Wednesday, January 17, 2007.

Bluffton came out strong against the Mount. The Lions scored the first two points of the game but after a three-pointer from freshman LINDSAY EBBESKOTTE (Delphos/Jefferson), the Beavers continued to increase their lead with a dominating performance in the post by junior LINDSAY BUSH (Howard/East Knox).

Bluffton built a 16-point advantage with 10:00 minutes remaining in the opening stanza. The Beavers were able to keep a double-digit lead going into halftime, 30-20, despite a strong run by the Lions.

Bush had 15 of the Beavers 30 points in the first half, with two assists each from junior AMANDA BELL (Napoleon/Liberty Center) and senior TANYA RICKENBERG (Paulding/Paulding).

Ebbeskotte opened the second half with a rebound followed by a lay up from Bush, keeping the Beavers momentum rolling forward. Junior ANGIE LEE (Mt. Blanchard/Vanlue) contributed with her foul shooting; she was 9-of-10 at the line.

The Beavers never let the Lions closer than 10 points in the second half thanks to their excellent ball movement and intense defense. ASHLEIGH STALLKAMP'S Founders Hall reunion was unseasonably cool as Bluffton held her to 11 points on 5-of-18 shooting from the field in the Beavers 67-44 taming of the Lions.

The Bluffton defense limited Mount St. Joseph to 23 percent shooting from the field (18-of-78), including 2-of-19 from long range (11 percent). The Beavers hit 24-of-44 from the field for 55 percent shooting. They also won the battle of the boards, ripping down 47 to the Lions 42.

Lindsay Bush, who did it all for the Beavers, finished with her sixth career double-double, scoring a game-high 25 points on 11-of-14 shooting while also pulling down 13 boards. She swatted away a career-high six shots in the victory. Angie Lee contributed to the Beavers win with 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Tanya Rickenberg dropped in 10 points to go along with her five boards and five assists.

Bluffton returns to action on Saturday, January 20, when it hosts Franklin College in Founders Hall. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.

-BEAVERS-