Box Score
Host Bluffton University jumped out to a 14-point lead at the half and added to that lead throughout the second half, thanks to solid outside shooting, to post an 82-76 win tonight over the Lions. The Mount, 1-5 overall, 0-1 in the HCAC, resumes HCAC play on Dec. 4 when they host Anderson University.
The undefeated Beavers (5-0, 1-0) jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the game, and led by a 21-12 advantage in the first half. Bluffton shot 62 percent from the field in the opening half, connecting on 10-of-18 from three-point range. They held a double-digit lead during most all of the second half. Ben Haarman (Cincinnati, OH/St. Bernard) cut the deficit to 80-73 with 28 seconds left when he hit a three-pointer, and Haarman connected on two free throws with 15 seconds to play to make the score 81-76 but the Mount would get no closer.
Haarman finished with a game-high 37 points, making seven-of-13 three-pointers. That scoring output was just two points behind the Mount single-game high set by Jarett Young against Bluffton in the 1998-1999 season. Alex Cole (Fairfield, OH/Ross) chipped in 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds. The Lions out-rebounded Bluffton, 33-30, and forced 16 turnovers conpared to 12 miscues.
