By Takayla Gadberry, sports information alumna

Men's basketball vs. Bethany College
The Bluffton University men's basketball team secured a 67-57 victory over the Bethany College Bison in the consolation game of the McDonald's Holiday Tournament on Thursday, December 29. The Beavers improved to 3-7 overall while the Bison fell to 0-12.

The Beavers won the shooting battle, going 24-of-60 (40 percent) from the field and 5-of-15 (33.3 percent) from beyond the arc, compared to 22-of-57 (38.6 percent) overall and 9-of-30 (30 percent) from distance for the Bison. Bluffton also hit 14-of-20 (70 percent) from the charity stripe with Bethany knocking down 4-of-6 (66.7 percent).

The home team pulled down one more board (37-36), but tallied eight fewer turnovers (17-9). The Beavers also scored 32 points in the paint, compared to 20 for the Bison.

The Beaver men will be back in action on December 31, when they travel to Indiana for an HCAC matchup against the Anderson University Ravens. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. 

Women's basketball vs. Bethany College
The Bluffton University women's basketball team opened the 2022 McDonald's Holiday Classic with a 68-48 victory against the Bethany College Bison on Thursday, Dec. 29. The Beavers improved to 7-3 on the season while Bethany fell to 2-9.

The Beavers outshot the Bison 26-of-73 (35.6 percent), compared to 17-of-64 (26.6 percent), but Bethany was slightly better from distance with 5-of-21 (23.8 percent) shooting, compared to just 4-of-25 (16 percent) for Bluffton. The home team won the battle at the charity stripe, going 12-for-15 (80 percent) with the visitors hitting 9-of-14 (64.3 percent).

Bluffton tallied 14 more points in the paint (36-22), but the Beavers turned the ball over three more times (12-9). The good guys dominated the glass with 25 more boards (61-36), including a huge 17-5 advantage on the offensive glass.

The women will be back in action on Friday, Dec. 30, for day two of the McDonald's Classic with a matchup against Denison University. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. following the Ohio Northern-Bethany clash at noon.