BLUFFTON, Ohio – The host Bluffton University Beavers were able to rally for an 89-84 double overtime victory over the Manchester University men's basketball team on Tuesday night in the Spartans' regular season road finale.
After leading 41-35 at the half, Bluffton was able to outscore Manchester 32-26 in the 2
nd half to force overtime. Both teams slugged it out in the first overtime period as both squads combined for just 12 points.
The host Beavers were able to outlast Manchester on Tuesday night by outscoring the Spartans 16-11 in the second overtime. Bluffton made 8-of-10 free throw attempts in the second overtime period.
For the game, Manchester shot 34-70 (48.6 percent) from the field. The Spartans connected on nine three-point field goals on Tuesday night.
Bluffton shot 30-79 (30.8 percent) from the floor and was limited to just 8-24 shooting from beyond the three-point arc. Bluffton did make good use of the free throw line, converting 23-of-31 attempts for 74.2 percent.
Quentez Columbus (South Bend, Ind./Adams) led Manchester with his first career double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Logan Willoughby (Greenwood, Ind./Whiteland Community) added 20 points and eight rebounds, while
Ty Lynas (Crawfordsville, Ind./Crawfordsville) scored 19 points.
Brandon Christlieb (Ashley, Ind./Prairie Heights) also scored in double figures with 11 points.
Bluffton was led by a pair of double-doubles by Jameel Crosby (27 points, 13 rebounds), and Marcus Bruns (11 points, 10 rebounds). Keegan Owen (23 points) and Chad Frey (14 points) combined to shot 15-28 off the bench for Bluffton.
Manchester (8-15, 7-9 HCAC) will host rival Anderson University on Friday night in its regular season finale. Game time against the Ravens is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside of Stauffer-Wolfe Arena.
Bluffton (6-16, 2-12 HCAC) snapped a nine-game skid on Tuesday night. The Beavers will conclude the 2021-22 season on Friday night with an 8 p.m. home game against rival Defiance College.
