NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Manchester University women's basketball team survived a furious rally by visiting Bluffton on Wednesday night. The Spartans held off the Beavers 69-65, earning their fifth win in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Manchester started Wednesday's contest with a strong first period. MU outscored the Beavers by 10, 17-7, in the opening frame after shooting 57 percent (8-14) from the field. Bluffton was limited to just 3-14 shooting in the first quarter.

Both teams heated up in the second quarter. The Spartans and Beavers each scored 20 points and both sides shot better than 50 percent from the floor. Manchester led 37-27 at the break.

The Black and Gold complied another strong period following the intermission as Manchester outscored BU 19-11 in the third frame.  Manchester's lead ballooned to 20 points due in in large part to its stifling defense – Bluffton was limited to 5-19 shooting in the third quarter.

Bluffton turned up the pressure in the fourth quarter and the Beavers' full-court press was able to lead to several turnovers and quick baskets. Bluffton was able to trim its 22-point deficit down to just seven points with 2:11 remaining in the game.

The Spartans were able to break the Beavers' pressure late and converted several key free throws down the stretch to seal their first win over Bluffton since February 2015.

Hillery Shepherd (Middletown, Ind./Shenandoah) sunk a pair of free throws to put the Spartans ahead 68-60 with 22 seconds left in the game. After Bluffton scored five quick points, Bridget Nash (Carmel, Ind./Bishop Chatard) made one of two foul shots to seal the game.

The Spartans shot 47.3 percent (26-55) from the floor on Wednesday night. MU also knocked down five 3-pointers. Bluffton was limited to 35.7 percent (25-70) shooting and went just 3-21 from 3-pointer territory.

Hillery Shepherd scored 12 of her career-high 16 points in the first half to lead the Black and Gold offense. Forward Macy Miller (Huntertown, Ind./Carroll) scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Senior captain Haley Farris (Sharpsville, Ind./Tri-Central) provided a much-needed veteran presence for the Manchester backcourt on Wednesday night. Farris, returning from an ankle injury, scored four points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out three assists, and came up with a pair of steals.

Noteworthy

Wednesday night's win over Bluffton was MU's first win over the Beavers since February 2015. The Spartans are now 7-0 when holding opponents under 70 points.

Up Next

Manchester improved to 8-8, 5-4 HCAC on the year with the win. The Black & Gold will travel to Mount St. Joseph on Saturday January 25. Game time against the Lion is set for 3 pm.

Bluffton dropped to 9-7, 3-6 HCAC with the loss on Wednesday night.