DC 66, BC 60

Bergman leads team with fourth 20 point game of career

By Ben Risinger, SID
February 18, 2004

DEFIANCE, OHIO – The Bluffton College men’s basketball team (10-14, 4-9 HCAC) lost to rival Defiance College (11-12, 5-8 HCAC) 66-60 on Wednesday night.

 

The win moves Defiance to fifth in the Heartland Conference with the Beavers falling to sixth place in the league.


The Beavers came out quickly in the first half to lead 13-6 but found that lead diminished as Defiance went on a nine point run to take the lead 15-13 with 9:26 remaining in the first period. Bluffton would not be outdone as they took the lead again 22-19, late in the first half. The Yellow Jackets answered right back once more and took a 27-26 lead heading into the locker rooms. In the first half alone, the lead changed sides seven times.

 

In the second period of play both teams became very aggressive as the lead would change hands six more times again with the game being tied a total of 11 times. The contest would never be more than five points apart until the final minute of play when Defiance would hit seven free throw shots. At the one minute mark Defiance led by only two points, 59-57. The shots from the charity line were all it took for the Yellow Jackets to win the game.

Leading Bluffton for the night was sophomore Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) with 20 points (4th 20 point game of career). Freshman Michael Anthony posted 15 points to finish Bluffton’s leading scorers. Sophomore Eric Sweet (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.

Matt Voland led Defiance with 19 points. Curt Croy and Jason Smolenski threw in 10 each for the Jackets.

For the game Defiance shot 45 percent compared to the Beavers 37 percent. Defiance also led the rebound battle as they pulled down 35 boards to Bluffton’s 30.

Bluffton will finish the regular season this Saturday on the road when they travel to Manchester College. Tip off for the game is scheduled for 3 pm.