Yellow Jackets sting Beavers on the road

By Ben Risinger, sports information director
January 26, 2005

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's basketball team (10-8, 3-4 HCAC) was defeated by rival Defiance College (8-10, 1-6 HCAC) 82-74 on Jan. 26.

Defiance jumped ahead early in the ball game in the first half only to find Bluffton storm back to take the lead 24-17 with eight minutes left in the period. The Yellow Jackets came back and kept the contest close as the score would be deadlocked at halftime 34-34.

Both teams shared the lead again in the second half as Defiance led by seven points (61-54) with eight minutes remaining. Bluffton pushed back once more to tie the game for the tenth time at the six minute thirty-seven second mark. The Yellow Jackets then led the game for the remainder of the contest. The Beavers struggled in the second half as Defiance shot 60 percent (12-of-20) compared to Bluffton's 45 percent (17-of-37) in the period.

Junior Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) led the Beavers with 20 points, five assists and four steals. Junior Simeon Talley (Columbus/Centennial) posted a career high 19 points. Junior Eric Sweet (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds for the night. Sophomore Eric Schwieterman (St. Henry/St. Henry) knocked in a career high eight points.

For the game Bluffton shot 43 percent (29-of-67) compared to Defiance's 52 percent (25-of-48). The Beavers posted 39 rebounds to Defiance's 31 rebounds.

Bluffton University will be back in action on Jan. 29 when they host Hanover College. The Heartland Conference matchup is scheduled for 3 p.m.