The Bluffton University men’s basketball team was victorious in its first game in the Sommer Center, routing OSU-Lima 89-41 after leading just 43-30 at the break. The Beavers held the Barons to 31.6 percent from the field while shooting 52.1 percent for the game. Bluffton improved to 1-2, while OSU-Lima slipped to 1-8 overall.

The Beavers jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead, forcing the Barons to call their first timeout. The stoppage did not slow the Bluffton offensive attack as the home team opened up a 20-6 lead with 11:20 left in the first half.

A layup by Thayne Recker (Arlington) with 5:30 left in the first half off an assist from fellow freshman Billy Taflinger (Lima/Central Catholic) put Bluffton on top 37-19. The Barons cut the lead to 43-30 on a half-court buzzer-beater by Brady Schroeder as the first period came to an end.

An inspirational speech at halftime captivated the Beavers as Bluffton locked down defensively and held the Barons to 11 points over the final 20 minutes. The home squad went on a 19-0 from the 8:26 mark to the 2:28 mark, opening up an 87-38 lead over OSU-Lima.

Bluffton held the visitors to 17.6 percent shooting from the field, including 16.7 percent from the three-point line, in the second period.

The Beavers put four players in double digits and 13 in the scoring column. Freshman Thayne Recker led the offense with a career-high 16 points on a perfect 8-of-8 from the field.

He was closely followed by junior post Dustin Kinn (Alvada/New Riegel) who had 15 counters. Will Pope (Somerville/Preble Shawnee) added 12 and senior Josh Fisher (Rockford/Parkway) chipped in with 11 markers.

Recker, Pope, Dillon Long (Rockford/Parkway) and Nate Chambers (Miamisburg) all pulled down six boards in the victory. Brock Homier (Continental) came up with three steals to lead Bluffton at the defensive end.

The Beavers handed out 21 assists and turned it over just nine times. Bluffton out-rebounded the Barons 45-26 and the home team came up with 14 steals.

The Bluffton men take to the court again Wednesday, Nov. 28, against conference foe Mount St. Joseph. The tip is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Sommer Center.