By Cort Reynolds

SPENCERVILLE – The visiting Bluffton High School boys basketball team lost a 48-45 heartbreaker to Northwest Conference leader Spencerville Friday, January 31, in a key league contest.

Bearcat sophomore Will Sensabaugh nailed a three-pointer at the final buzzer to complete a late rally and win the game. He scored a game-high 25 points.

Spencerville outscored the Pirates 18-6 in the fourth quarter to overcome a nine-point deficit and win.

The Pirates trailed just 13-11 after the first period. Bluffton inched within 24-23 at halftime.

The Pirates outscored Spencerville 16-6 in the third period to seize a 39-30 lead heading to the final quarter as Kain Wright scored eight points.

Guard Marek Donaldson tied for Bluffton team scoring honors with 12 points. He made two baskets and sank eight of eight foul shots. 

Wright also tallied a dozen points on six field goals, all in the second half. Bean Ginther netted 10 points on four baskets and two charity stripers. Blake Sommers added seven markers.
The Pirates dropped to 12-5 overall (2-3 NWC) with the gut-wrenching defeat. They are tied for fifth in the league with Allen East.

Spencerville improved to 16-1 overall and 5-1 in NWC play after the victory. The Bearcats are first in the league standings, with Columbus Grove and Crestview tied for second at 4-1. The lone Bearcat loss came at Grove Jan. 24, 51-47. 

Will Sensabaugh sank eight baskets, including four treys. He also canned all five of his free throw attempts. He nailed three triples in the fourth period and added two foul shots for 11 points in the final stanza comeback.

Bearcat junior Owen Sensabaugh added 11 markers.
Bluffton canned 16 two-point goals and were held to one triple. The Pirates converted 10 of 10 free throws (100 percent).

Spencerville sank 11 two-pointers and drained seven trifectas. The Bearcats converted five of eight foul shots (63 percent).