February 11, 2017
ANDERSON, Ind. - The Anderson University men rode a 29-9 run late in the first half to a convincing 98-72 win over Bluffton University on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017. The Beavers dipped to 12-11 overall and 5-11 in the Heartland Conference, while AU stayed within a game of first place in the HCAC at 13-3 (16-7 overall).
Six quick points from senior Austin Rohde (Shelby), including a dunk for Bluffton's first basket of the game, had the Beavers up by a point, 8-7, less than three minutes into the game. Trey Elchert (Jackson Center) then hit from distance, knotting the score back up at 11 before Anderson took over.
The home team outscored Bluffton 48-23 over the final 16:04 of the first period for a commanding 59-34 spread at the break. AU led by as many as 39 in the second half before a 17-4 spurt by the Beavers made the final score 98-72 as everybody got into the action for the visitors.
Rohde led the Beavers with 19 points on 8-of-13 from the field. Freshman Houston Blair (Galion) bucketed a career-high 12 points, including a dunk of his own in the second half. Kevin Christie (Miamisburg/Bishop Fenwick) chipped in with nine markers, while senior Adam Hopkins (Wellington/Keystone) added six points and five boards.
The Ravens were a blistering 34-of-56 (60.7 percent) from the field, including 9-of-18 (50 percent) from distance). Bluffton hit 29-of-66 (43.9 percent) on field goals. The Beavers went 9-of-13 (69.2 percent) at the stripe, while Anderson was a nearly perfect 21-of-23 for 91.3 percent. Anderson pulled down six more rebounds (35-29) and Bluffton turned it over two more times (18-16).
Bluffton returns to the Sommer Center for a 7:30 p.m. meeting with Earlham College on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Come out and support your Beavers!
-BEAVERS-
