ATHENS, Tenn. – Bluefield University men's basketball came up just short Monday night, as a late three-pointer proved to be the difference in an 87–85 loss at Tennessee Wesleyan inside James L. Robb Gymnasium.
The Rams opened the game with confidence and offensive rhythm, shooting nearly 59 percent from the field in the first half. Isaiah Sanders set the tone early, scoring 10 first-half points while attacking the lane and getting to the free-throw line. Lenair Young provided a spark off the bench, knocking down three triples in the opening period, and DJ McDonald added a three and strong finishes in transition as Bluefield built momentum.
BU led for much of the first half and closed the period on a run, highlighted by a Chase Ragin-Moore three and a late steal by Young, to take a 47–42 advantage into halftime.
Tennessee Wesleyan responded after the break, increasing defensive pressure and chipping away at the deficit. The Rams answered behind balanced scoring, as Sanders connected from deep, Danny Alford finished inside, and Ke'Shaun Tonsall attacked the rim to keep Bluefield in front. A three from Young at the 12:49 mark gave the Rams a brief 61–60 edge during a back-and-forth stretch that featured six lead changes in the second half.
The game remained tight down the stretch. Ragin-Moore converted a three-point play to put Bluefield ahead 71–68, and Alford and Tonsall followed with baskets in the paint to keep the Rams within striking distance. McDonald calmly knocked down two free throws with 1:12 remaining to give BU an 84–82 lead.
Tennessee Wesleyan answered with a jumper to tie the game before knocking down a go-ahead three with 14 seconds left. Bluefield had a final look at the buzzer, but the attempt rimmed out as time expired.
Sanders led BU with 17 points and three rebounds, while Young added 17 points on 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Ragin-Moore chipped in 13 points off the bench, and McDonald finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Tonsall added nine points, and Alford contributed seven points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
Bluefield returns home Wednesday to host Milligan at 7:30 p.m. inside the Dome.
