By Cort Reynolds

DELPHOS – The Bluffton High School boys basketball team opened its Northwest Conference season at Delphos Jefferson by losing a tight 39-38 encounter on Friday, December 12.

The game was close throughout, with the score tied 8-8 after the first period. Delphos pulled ahead 19-17 at intermission, and the Pirates trailed 33-30 after three periods.

Bluffton won the final period 8-6, but came up just short. 

The Pirates dropped to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in NWC play after losing their first road game of the season.

DJ improved to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the NWC after the close home win.

Parker Lovell led the Pirates with 12 points, including three baskets in the final period.

Lane Ginther contributed seven markers.

Pirate freshman guard Brody Donley and Robby Taylor netted six points apiece. Brayden McClure added five points.  

Wildcat Jace Harter led DJ with 11 points as he sank two crucial three-pointers in the fourth period. Isaac Rostorfer added 10 markers.

The Pirates connected on 10 deuces and drilled four triples. Bluffton converted just six of 13 at the charity stripe (46 percent). 

DJ sank nine two-pointers, nailed four trifectas and canned nine of 17 from the charity stripe (53 percent).

Bluffton plays at Blanchard Valley Conference foe Riverdale (3-1) next Friday, Dec. 19. The Falcons lost 48-43 at tough Ada Friday.

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