Wooster Dropped 73-56 at Bluffton

The College of Wooster shot a solid 47.1 percent from the field, and Samantha Sulzer chipped in her first career double-double, but Bluffton University pulled away late in what was a closely contested game, dropping the Fighting Scots 73-56 in a non-conference tilt at Bluffton, Ohio.

Following a competitive first half that saw nine lead changes, Wooster (1-8) struggled coming out of the break, allowing Bluffton (4-4) to eventually build an 11-point cushion (53-42). With around 13 minutes remaining in regulation, Kristen Schwartz sunk a pair of free throw shots, and Jessica Wingen scored a layup on the next possession, brining Wooster back within seven (53-46).

The Scots continued to cut into their deficit by stringing together a 13-4 run that included baskets by Sulzer and Suvi Puripattarapan, getting Wooster as close as 57-55 with 6:59 to go on the clock. From that moment on, the Beavers held the previously efficient Scots to 0-of-9 shooting from the field, while adding a steady dose of baskets to pull away.

Bluffton held a significant advantage at the charity stripe where it shot 86.4 percent (19-of-22) on the day. It was Brittany Stegmaier that led the charge, as she totaled a game-high 17 points, which included an 8-of-10 effort on free throws.

Puripattarapan led Wooster with 11 points, while Sulzer collected 10 points and 10 rebounds. Karley Walker scored her nine points from behind the arc and added seven assists.

Next up, Wooster hosts Case Western Reserve University (3-4) tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.