Bluffton men hold off Grizzlies 70-65
The Bluffton University men's basketball team went on the road after a 14-day break and took down Franklin College 70-65 for its first HCAC victory of the season on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022. Bluffton improved to 5-7 overall and 1-4 in the Heartland, while Franklin fell to 7-9 and 3-5 in the conference.
Franklin jumped out to a quick 10-2 lead before a 17-0 Bluffton jag, capped by a Damian Davis (Bexley) jumper made it 19-10 Bluffton midway through the first half. A triple by Davis at the 7:40 mark made it 24-14 in favor of the Beavers. Franklin pulled within three (26-23), but Mike Ketner (Minster) hit a jumper and Kegan Owen (Indianapolis, Ind./Greenwood) dialed long distance with 52 seconds in the half as Bluffton led 31-23 at the break.
The Beavers led by as many as 14 points in the second half, but Franklin trimmed it to three (48-45) which forced a Bluffton timeout with 7:31 to play. A pair of jumpers and a triple by Michael Stammen (Versailles) made it 58-49 at the 2:07 mark. Franklin would not go away, hitting three bombs in the final minute, but the Beavers knocked down all 10 of their free throws in the final 28 seconds, including 8-of-8 for Stammen.
A career-high 27 points was on the menu for Stammen who hit 12-of-13 at the line and 7-of-12 from the field on Saturday. He also pulled down a career-best seven rebounds. Marcus Bruns (Coldwater) netted his first career double-double with 11 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. Owen and Davis each contributed nine points and Ketner chipped in with eight counters and three assists.
Bluffton hit 23-of-52 (44.2 percent) from the field, including 6-for-20 (30 percent) from deep. The visitors pulled down seven more rebounds (34-27) and were an outstanding 18-of-21 (85.7 percent) from the line.
The Beavers return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 19, when they travel to Manchester University. Tip-off from North Manchester, Ind., is slated for 7:30 p.m. There are no visiting fans allowed at Manchester currently.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Tornado Watch issued for Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties at 9:15 p.m. on April 2
- Flood Warning issued for Allen County at 11:03 a.m.
- Pirate tennis loss at Elida
- Pirate softball loses opener to Ada
- Pirate baseball falls to Ada
- Allen County will not test warning sirens on April 2
- March 2025 land transfers in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District
- April 22 crash report shows driver hit N. Dixie home
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll announced for 3rd quarter of 2024-2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Obituary for Betty C. Mumaugh
- Leo Club supports Bluffton Clean Up
- Wind, rain and potential flooding for April 2
- Grandey to major in education, play basketball at John Carroll
- Pirate tennis blanks Bath
- Pirate baseball sweeps opening twin bill vs. Pandora-Gilboa
- “I Have Not Forsaken the Word of God” reader's theater, April 13
- Easter Cantata performed on April 13 in Pandora
Monday, March 31, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Bluffton Public Library’s April 2025 programs and services
- Joseph “Joe” Ropp Davies worked for University of Findlay
- Hillville Road bridge maintenance on April 1
- Lift access added to Bluffton Senior Center back entrance
- Register for fear of falling workshop
- Florence to explain advanced sports stats at student forum