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Redhawks Put Up 98 To Take Third Place Game Over Bluffton

Redhawks Put Up 98 To Take Third Place Game Over Bluffton

WOOSTER, Ohio – La Roche men's basketball closed out the Wooster Tournament with a third-place finish, defeating Bluffton on Saturday evening, 98-81.

La Roche opened strong, leading 12-6 at the 14:48 mark and grew that lead to 20-9 with 12:39 remaining.

Bluffton would battle within a couple points on a few occasions down the stretch and despite being down by eight points late in the half, cut the Redhawks lead to just 44-40 at the break.

Out of the break, Bluffton took the lead in the opening minute, using a 5-0 run to go up 45-44.

After a few minutes of trading scores, a 5-0 red and black run moved the needle back in favor of the Redhawks, 53-49.

At the 13:11 mark, the score was back even at 55-55, but La Roche sparked with a 9-0 run to go back ahead 64-55.

By 7:03 to go, the Redhawks re-opened a double-digit lead of 73-61 and down the stretch, never allowed the game to come within nine, cruising to the victory.

For the game, La Roche finished 37-for-70 (52.9%) from the floor and 12-for-25 (48%) from three. From the foul line, they capitalized on nine of 10 attempts (90%).

On the other side, Bluffton finished 28-for-61 (45.9%) from the field, 9-for-23 (39.1%) from deep and made it to the free-throw line 23 times, making 16.

The Redhawks had four players in double figures, led by Michael Brooks who dropped 25 points with five assists, earning All-Tournament team honors.

Bryce Epps scored 18 with four rebounds and four steals and Isaiah Thomas netted 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Joe Starzynski contributed 10 points and eight rebounds.

La Roche gets an extended break and return to the floor on Wednesday, Dec. 4 when they open AMCC play against Mt. Aloysius at home. Opening tip is set for 7 p.m.