BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University men's basketball battled throughout Wednesday night but was unable to slow Union Commonwealth's consistent offensive pressure, falling 86–70 in Appalachian Athletic Conference action inside the Dome.
The Rams opened the game with solid energy on both ends of the floor. Isaiah Sanders got BU on the board early with a three-pointer, and Shaft Clark followed with a finish in the paint to keep the deficit manageable in the opening minutes. Despite strong defensive possessions, Union Commonwealth capitalized on second-chance opportunities and built an early cushion behind its interior scoring.
Bluefield settled in offensively midway through the first half. Sanders knocked down a pair of threes in transition, while Ke'Shaun Tonsall attacked the rim for back-to-back baskets to cut the deficit to single digits. DJ McDonald added a fastbreak layup and free throws late in the half, helping the Rams close the period on a run and head into halftime trailing 42–36.
Union Commonwealth came out aggressive to start the second half, using efficient shooting to stretch the lead. BU answered with timely baskets, as Danny Alford scored inside on consecutive possessions and Sanders connected from beyond the arc to trim the margin to eight. A fastbreak dunk from Tonsall brought the Dome to its feet and briefly swung momentum back toward the Rams.
However, Union Commonwealth responded with a decisive stretch midway through the half, stringing together perimeter shots and interior finishes to push the lead back into double figures. Bluefield continued to fight, with McDonald scoring inside and Zac Hall knocking down a three late, but the Rams were unable to get closer than 14 down the stretch.
Sanders led BU with 19 points on an efficient shooting night, adding three rebounds and an assist. Tonsall followed with 13 points and seven rebounds, while McDonald contributed 11 points and five boards. Alford finished with eight points and three rebounds, and Clark added five points and four rebounds in limited minutes.
Bluefield shot 48 percent from the field and matched Union Commonwealth from three-point range, but turnovers and second-chance points proved costly.
BU returns to action Monday, February 2, traveling to Tennessee Wesleyan for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff.
