By Sam Brauen www.blufftonpirates.com
Bluffton got a huge game from their starting backcourt in a 62-52 road win at Bath. Juniors Jared Piercefield scored 21 points and Luke Denecker 19 for the Pirates.
Keys to the Game
Bluffton controlled the first minutes of each half to take control of the game. BHS opened the game with a 10-3 spurt and then in the third quarter Bluffton ripped off 13 unanswered points turning a 32-29 deficit into a 42-32 advantage. During both runs, the Pirates were keen to go inside, even against the much bigger Wildcats.
Bath really hurt the Pirates on the boards early on to the tune of a 14-4 edge after one quarter. Bluffton adjusted to a 2-3 zone with their leading rebounder Mason Soper out with foul trouble. Bath responded by connecting on 5 of 6 three point attempts in the second quarter. The final long ball gave Bath a 30-27 lead at halftime.
The 13-0 jaunt featured two jumpers and free throws from Piercefield, a steal and layup by Baylor Garmatter, a ‘3’ from Mason Soper and a layup by Denecker.
The fourth quarter lead trickled down to 50-48 but Bluffton connected on 5/8 free throws and got layups from Levi Hohenbrink and Denecker for another 9-0 run to put the game away with three minutes to go.
Coming into the fourth quarter, Bath held a wild free throw advantage. The Wildcats hit 7/15 from the free throw line. Meanwhile Bluffton was only able to attempt 6 free throws in the first three quarters. The Pirates made bank in the fourth quarter connecting on 8/15 attempts as Bath had to increase their pressure and physicality looking to get back into the game.
Individual Pirate Statistics
Jared Piercefield 21 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 threes
Luke Denecker 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 3 threes
Mason Soper 7 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 three
Levi Hohenbrink 6 points, 1 steal, 2 threes
Baylor Garmatter 7 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Mickey Ault 2 points, 1 rebounds
Team Statistics
Bluffton
2FG 14/19 (74%)
3FG 8/20 (40%)
Total FG 21/38 (55%)
Free Throws 10/20 (50%)
Rebounds 16 (0 offensive)
Turnovers 10
Bath
2FG 6/23 (26%)
3FG 10/24 (42%)
Total FG 16/47 (34%)
Free Throws 8/15 (53%)
Rebounds 30 (8 offensive)
Turnovers 17
Coach’s Comment
“We weathered a storm and picked up a nice road win tonight. They hit 10 threes and just kept coming at us but our guys did a great job keeping their heads and fending Bath off.” Regarding the strong second half start, “We talked at halftime about just calming down and shooting the ‘right’ shot. We did a very nice job opening the half of getting the shots we wanted and making them.” From head coach Todd Boblitt
What’s Next
Bluffton will play a third consecutive road game to start the season Tuesday evening at Van Buren. The Black Knights are 1-1 and lost 55-39 in their most recent game against Arlington. Van Buren bested Bluffton 54-46 last season.
