The Bluffton University men’s basketball team lost to Rose Hulman 63-43 Saturday November 8. The Beavers fell to 2-5 (0-3 HCAC) while Rose Hulman improved to 7-1 (3-0 HCAC) on the year.

The Beavers took an early 5-0 lead on a Josh Johnson (Ottawa/Ottawa-Glandorf) three followed by a steal and layup from Tyler Neal (Bluffton).

Rose stormed back and took a 13-11 lead with 7:41 left in the first half and never looked back. At halftime Rose held a 29-16 advantage.

In the second half, the Beavers battled on the defensive end but were unable to close the gap. Rose was never threatened after the break as the visitor lead did not dip below 11 the rest of the way.

Every time the Beavers made a run, Rose would answer with one of its own.

The Beavers were led offensively by junior posts Dustin Kinn (Alvada/New Riegel) and Will Pope (Somerville/Preble Shawnee) who had eight points each.

Pope also added seven rebounds. Thayne Recker (Arlington) pulled down six rebounds and tallied seven points on 3-of-3 shooting from the field.

Rose hit 25-of-47 from the field (53.2 percent), compared to Bluffton's 19-of-48 (39.6 percent) shooting. The Beavers turned it over eight more times (14-6), but pulled down three more rebounds (29-26).

RHIT scored 16 points off Bluffton turnovers and the Engineers had their way in the paint with 42 counters.

The Beavers return to action Saturday, Dec. 15, when they host Transylvania University. The HCAC contest is scheduled for 4 p.m. following the women’s game.