By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON – The Bluffton High School boys basketball team lost 52-42 to visiting Northwest Conference rival Columbus Grove on February 7.

The Pirates fell to 12-7 overall and 2-4 in the NWC with their third loss in a row. Columbus Grove improved to 9-7 overall and 5-1 in NWC play after the victory.

The Pirates trailed 18-12 after the first period. After a second stanza where Marek Donaldson buried two triples, Bluffton inched within 26-23 at halftime.

The Bulldogs captured the third period 13-9 to take a 39-32 advantage heading into the final quarter. 

Grove also won the fourth period 13-10 to triumph by 10. CG outscored Bluffton 26-19 in the second half.

Pirate guard Donaldson led the Pirates with 12 points on four three-point goals. Blake Sommers netted 11 markers, including five in the third quarter. Bean Ginther tallied five of his seven points in the final period.  

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Kyle Hopkins led CG with 16 points. He scored seven points in both the first and fourth periods. Trevon Baxter netted 13 markers, with seven coming in the opening period. Trenton Barraza tallied all nine of his points in the second half.

Bluffton canned eight two-point goals and drilled seven triples. The Pirates converted five of seven free throws (71 percent).
CG sank 19 two-pointers and drained three trifectas. The Bulldogs converted five of five foul shots (100 percent).

The Saturday game with Liberty Center has been postponed. Make up date is still to be determined.

The Pirates visit Elida (11-6) Tuesday, Feb. 11 and play at Allen East (10-8, 2-3 NWC) Feb. 14 in the regular season and league finale. 

The Bulldogs beat Wapakoneta 47-37 Friday night. AE lost 55-46 to NWC leader Spencerville on Friday.