BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Bluffton University men’s basketball team (6-4) defeated Lake Erie College in the championship game of the McDonald’s of Bluffton Holiday tournament, 61-59.
Junior Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) led Bluffton with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. For his efforts, Bergman was named the most valuable player of the tournament. He totaled 37 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and four steals in the two tournament games.
Senior Bryce Beilharz (Bluffton/Cory-Rawson) recorded a career high 15 points, four rebounds and two assists in the final game. Beilharz totaled 19 points, three assists and four rebounds for the tournament to be named to the all-tournament team.
Junior Eric Sweet (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) added 10 points and a team high 8 rebounds against Lake Erie. Sophomore Michael Anthony (Ohio City/Delphos St. John's) contributed seven points, five rebounds and four assists in the tournament finale.
With great defense and clutch shooting by both teams the score was close the entire contest as neither team led by more than nine points in the game. Lake Erie led Bluffton from the eight minute mark in the first half until two minutes left in the contest, when Bergman hit a pair of foul shots to let Bluffton take the lead, 60-59. Bergman’s three free throws in the last two minutes along with a stellar defensive effort by the team clinched the tournament win, 61-59.
Bluffton will be back in action on Jan. 5, 2005 as they travel to HCAC opponent Manchester College. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
