Bluffton falls short against Manchester in overtime; Bergman hits 1000 points for career
By Molly Burnell, sports information assistant
February 19, 2005
2005 Heartland Conference men's tournament pairings
BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Bluffton University men’s basketball team (13-12, 6-8 HCAC) was defeated 83-81 in overtime by Manchester College (14-11, 8-6 HCAC) on Feb. 19.
Junior Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) scored his 1,000th career point and posted his first career double-double as he netted 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds (team high). Junior Eric Sweet (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) posted 15 points on the afternoon. Sophomore Michael Anthony (Ohio City/Delphos St. Johns) scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds. Junior Simeon Talley (Columbus/Centennial) rounded out double digit scoring for Bluffton as he contributed 11 points and three steals (team high). Senior Bryce Beilharz (Bluffton/Cory Rawson) led the team with five assists in his final home contest.
The Beavers and Spartans played hard in the first half as they kept the game within four points for the entire period. Two foul shots by Bergman with 16 seconds left would give Bluffton a one point halftime advantage, 33-32. The Beavers scored 15 of their 33 first half points in the period off of Manchester turnovers.
Missed shots by the Spartans and defensive rebounds by Bluffton helped the Beavers take a six point lead with twelve minutes left in the game. Manchester hit key shots in the remaining minutes to eventually tie the score and send the contest into overtime (61-61). The Spartans hit crucial buckets to lead by seven points in the extra period as Bluffton battled back and kept the contest close. Manchester’s Eric Berger hit a free throw with seven seconds reaming to give the Spartans a five point lead. A three-pointer by Bergman as time ran out cut Manchester’s lead to two points for the final score of 83-81.
Bluffton University shot 49 percent (30-of-61) from the field to Manchester’s 40 percent (23-of-57). The Beavers pulled down 29 rebounds to Manchester’s 44 boards. The Spartans committed 21 turnovers compared to Bluffton’s 15.
The Bluffton University men’s basketball team will be back in action on Feb. 22 as they travel to Manchester College for the first round of the Heartland Conference tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
