Beavers on three game Heartland Conference win streak
By Ben Risinger, SID
January 28, 2004
The Bluffton College men’s basketball team (9-9, 3-4 HCAC) defeated rival Defiance College (8-9, 2-5 HCAC) 75-66 on Wednesday night.
Bluffton College came out of the start with a fury as they dominated in the first half. The Beavers led by as many as 15 points, off of 71 percent shooting in the first period. Heading into the locker room the score was 40-28 in favor of Bluffton. In the second half Defiance rallied back to take the lead 54-51 at the 10:52 mark. The Beavers would not be outdone as they would come back to take the lead for good 68-66 off of a jumper by sophomore Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) with 2:08 left in the game.
The Beavers posted five players in double figures. Leading Bluffton was senior Brad Boyles (Berne, Ind./South Adams) with 16 points. Sophomore Bryan Yelley (Wheelersburg/Wheelersburg) led the team with six rebounds which tied his career high and sophomore Simeon Talley (Columbus/Centennial) threw in 12 points each. Scott Bergman and freshman Michael Anthony (Ohio City/Delphos St. John’s) had 10 apiece.
Curt Croy led the Yellow Jackets with 15 points. Matt Laudick and Ryan Bruley for Defiance posted 14 points each. Matt Voland completed the double digits with 10 points.
Bluffton killed Defiance on the boards with 31 rebounds to Defiance’s 17 (BC opponent season low). The Beavers shot 63 percent for the contest compared to Defiance at 43 percent. Bluffton also led the inside battle by scoring 28 points in the paint to Defiance’s 22 points.
The Beavers will be at home on Saturday when they face the No. 5 ranked Hanover Panthers. Tip off for the game is scheduled for 3 pm.
