Using a stifling defense and quick strike offense, Delphos Jefferson pulled away from Bluffton early in the game and maintained the lead to win the NWC matchup 56-39 on The Stage in Delphos. Bluffton is 3-14 while Jefferson improves to 11-5.
Kyle Siefker started the game off on the right foot for Bluffton, scoring in the lane on the Pirates first possesion. As if awakened from a deep sleep, the Jeffcats responded immediately, draining a '3'. DJ stole the inbounds pass and converted a layup then forced another steal and made a bucket forcing a BHS timeout. The Wildcats didn't let up and jumped out to a 14-2 advantage before RJ Stratton canned a '3' to end the spurt. Jefferson led 18-7 after one.
The teams traded buckets to start the second quarter before Jefferson took off again, this time on a 15-0 jaunt that put the game out of reach. Bluffton couldn't break through the full and half court trapping, physical defense of the Wildcats. Senior Jefferson shooter Craig Carder had a night to remember, going for 22 first half points and 27 overall. Matt Gillett and Carder got into a shooting match in the second quarter. Gillett nailed 3s on three consecutive Pirate possessions only to be answered by Carder who sandwiched a long two pointer in between two 3s. Gillett led the Pirates with 15 points.
Bluffton continued to play hard in the second half, winning the last two quarters 19-14. Levi Gleason had a nice second half with three big blocks and a breakaway dunk. Gleason scored 11 for Bluffton.
Bluffton doesn't have long to rest. A date with top state ranked Liberty Benton awaits Saturday night.
Click here for game shots from Troy Breiedenbach!
Tags: Delphos Jefferson, Matt Gillett, Kyle Siefker, RJ Stratton, Levi Gleason
Teams: Basketball (B)