By Cort Reynolds
FT. JENNINGS - Visiting Bluffton suffocated Ft. Jennings and posted a 47-25 non-conference boys basketball win Saturday evening.

Bluffton led 11-7 after the first quarter, but extended the margin to 25-9 at halftime by limiting the Musketeers to just two points in the second period. 

The Pirates outscored the hosts 18-4 in the third quarter to build a commanding 43-13 cushion.

Bluffton improved to 10-1 overall with the lopsided win, their third victory in a row. Meanwhile, FJ fell to 1-11 with the defeat.

Senior Mason Soper netted 18 points to lead the Pirates. Classmate Luke Denecker added 11 points.  

Evan Hoersten topped the Musketeers with 14 points.

The Pirates connected on 18 baskets, sinking 10 two-pointers and eight three-pointers. Bluffton converted three of six from the charity stripe (50 percent). 

The Musketeers made just 11 field goals, including 10 deuces and one from three-point land. FJ converted both of its mere two attempts from the charity stripe (100 percent).

FJ 25 (1-11)
Trentman 3 0-0 7, Hoersten 6 2-2 14, Liebrecht 1 0-0 2, Grote 1 0-0 2. 
Totals: 11/2-2/25. 3-pointers: Trentman 1. 

Bluffton 47 (10-1)
Schriner 1 0-0 3, Garmatter 1 0-0 2, Shutler 2 0-0 4, Soper 6 3-6 18, Piercefield 3 0-0 6, Denecker 4 0-0 11, Hohenbrink 1 0-0 3, Essinger 0. 
Totals: 18/3-6/47. 3-pointers: Soper 3, Denecker 3, Schriner 1, Hohenbrink 1. 
 
    1    2    3    4    F
FtJ    7    2    4    12    25
Blf    11    14    18    4    47     

Bluffton hosts Leipsic (5-4) Tuesday, January 14.