BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Bluffton University men’s basketball team (5-4) defeated Denison University (3-7) 82-78 in the opening round of the McDonald’s of Bluffton Holiday Tournament on Dec. 29. Bluffton will face Lake Erie College on Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. for the championship game. Grove City will play Denison at 1 p.m. in the consolation game.
The contest started off slow for Bluffton as they found themselves down by five points (16-11) at the 12 minute mark in the first half. The Beavers fought back the entire period as they tied the game four times in the first half alone. At halftime the score would be Denison 37, Bluffton 35.
The second half would find the Big Red up by 10 points 68-58 with seven minutes left in the game. Bluffton used quick plays and foul shots to come back within five (75-70) with three minutes left. Senior Nathan Chivington (Trenton/Miami East) then connected on four straight foul shots to put the Beavers down by only two (75-73). Chivington then quenched the deal when he hit a layup with 1:57 left in the game to put Bluffton up 79-76. The Beavers held on to their lead over the next two minutes to come out with the win 82-78.
Junior Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) led the team with 20 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore Michael Anthony (Ohio City/Delphos St. John’s) connected on 17 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore David Patch (Minster/Minster) finished the night with 11 points. Sophomore Eric Schwieterman (St. Henry/St. Henry) led Bluffton with nine assists. Chivington finished the game with a career-high nine points.
For the contest the Beavers shot 50 percent (29-of-58) to the Big Red’s 54 percent (30-of-55). Denison grabbed down 36 rebounds to Bluffton’s 27 rebounds.
