The Beavers started the game on a very positive note as they came out with a 15-4 lead with 9:48 left in the first half. The Ravens would make an effort in the first period, but fell short as Bluffton led 29-22 heading into the locker room. Things would get tougher for the Beavers in the second half as their lead would never eclipse ten for the rest of the game. With 1:04 left to play a quick lay up by Anderson’s Paul Wright tied the game at 51 each. A quick timeout by the Beavers was all they needed as they would come back and score five unanswered points to take the lead 56-51 with 12 seconds left in regulation. Both teams would throw in one more bucket apiece for the final of 58-53.
Leading the Beavers on the day was senior Brad Boyles with 17 points and four rebounds. Sophomore Scott Bergman chipped in 16 points. Freshman Michael Anthony threw in 12 points to finish the double figure scoring.
Paul Wright led Anderson on the day with 16 points. Rhett McCoy and Ben Rans posted 11 points each for the Ravens.
Bluffton shot 53 percent for the contest (57 percent 1st half) compared to the Raven’s 39 percent. The Beavers led in rebounding with 31 boards to Anderson’s 23 rebounds.
The Beavers will host long-time rival Defiance College for another HCAC match up on Wednesday. Tip off for the game is scheduled for 7:30 pm in Founders Hall.