Bluffton, OH - The Manchester University Men's Basketball team traveled to Bluffton University to take on the Beavers a little earlier than normal thanks to a snowy February night.

The Spartans came out on top to keep their tournament hopes alive, 81-79.

Manchester 81, Bluffton 79

The Spartans built a lead early on and halfway through the first half they took the lead and never gave it up for the rest of the game. The Spartans led by as many as 16 in the second half and were able to hold off the Beavers to secure the victory. It was an all around team effort in the victory with four Spartans notching double digit figures in points. Blake Shewmaker (Bargersville, Greenwood Christian Academy) knocked down a career high 15 points on 7-10 shooting, Zach Sawyer (Columbus, Ohio, Bishop Watterson) made his return the court with 9 points 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and Jeremiah Cottrell (Fort Wayne, Ind,, New Haven) led the team in rebounds with 7 while also grabbing 8 points of his own.

The Spartans look to keep it going as they travel to Richmond, Ind. on Saturday to take on Earlham for their final away game.