SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Bluefield University men's basketball came out with strong energy but was unable to overcome a hot first half from Spartanburg Methodist, falling 93–83 Saturday afternoon inside Bridges Arena.
The Rams opened the game aggressively on the offensive end. Ke'Shaun Tonsall attacked the paint early and got to the free-throw line, while DeAndre Miles and Shaft Clark controlled the glass to keep Bluefield within reach in the opening minutes. A three from Chase Ragin-Moore and a strong finish from Isaiah Sanders helped the Rams weather an early Spartanburg push.
Spartanburg Methodist began to separate late in the first quarter by knocking down shots from beyond the arc, building a double-digit advantage midway through the half. BU continued to battle inside, as Tonsall converted at the line and Clark added multiple second-chance baskets. Despite the effort, Spartanburg closed the half on a scoring run to take a 57–39 lead into the break.
Bluefield responded with one of its best offensive stretches of the season in the second half. Elijah White sparked the comeback, scoring 15 points after halftime while attacking off the dribble and finishing through contact. DJ McDonald added key buckets in transition, and Tyler Suber knocked down a three and converted at the line as the Rams steadily chipped away at the deficit.
The Rams outscored Spartanburg Methodist 44–36 in the second half and cut the margin to single digits on multiple occasions. A McDonald jumper, followed by free throws from White and Tonsall, brought BU within eight with just over five minutes remaining. However, Spartanburg answered with timely perimeter shooting and sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final minute.
Tonsall led Bluefield with 18 points and five rebounds, while White finished with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Clark recorded a double-digit rebounding effort with 10 boards to go along with 10 points. McDonald and Suber each added eight points, and Sanders contributed seven points and three rebounds. Bluefield received 38 points from its bench and scored 20 second-chance points in the contest.
BU returns home Wednesday to host Pikeville at 7:30 p.m. inside the Dome.
