Strong first half propels Bluffton to win over USV

BLUFFTON - It's obvious the Bluffton girls basketball team likes to push the tempo.

The Pirates displayed this style in Tuesday's 61-52 win over Upper Scioto Valley as they recorded 42 points in the first half.

Bluffton (2-1) had three players score in doubles figures. Freshman Lydia Guagenti came off the bench to lead Bluffton with 14 points and nine rebounds. Katie Althaus connected on four 3-pointers to score 12 points. Jonica Schmutz scored 11 points and pulled down eight boards.

Bluffton got off to a quick start, outscoring USV 19-10 in the first quarter. Guagenti gave the Pirates a spark, scoring eight points, coming away with two rebounds and making a steal at the defensive end.

By halftime, Bluffton pushed its lead out to 42-21. Althaus nailed all four of her 3-pointers in the first half to help lead the Pirates.

Bluffton coach Dennis Lee said his team will attempt to push the tempo as much as possible.

"That's our game," Lee said. "We're not going to consistently pound the ball inside on anybody. We want to push it, try to get it inside. If not, then kick it back out for the shot. I thought we had a pretty nice inside-outside game tonight."

USV (0-1) struggled shooting from the field in the first half, connecting on just 8-of-28 from the floor for 28 percent. Bluffton, on the other hand, made 16-of-36 from the field for 44 percent.

Lee said despite being just a freshman, Guagenti is going to make an impact right away at the varsity level.

"She's very athletic, at both ends of the floor. ... and she's still learning," Lee said.

Katie Hicks led USV with 17 points and nine rebounds. Teammate Rachel Jeffers added 14 points and seven boards.

Bluffton had trouble handling the basketball in the third quarter, however, turning it over 11 times. For the game, the Pirates committed 23 turnovers.

By the end of the third quarter, USV cut the deficit to 54-38. The Rams, behind the strong inside play of Jeffers, outscored Bluffton 14-7 in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates cooled off in the second half, ending the night, shooting 38 percent.

Despite being outscored in the second half, Lee said he came away with some positives.

"We committed some turnovers there in the third quarter," Lee said. "They (USV) made a run on us in the second half and I was pleased how our girls were able to withstand it."