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For the third time in eight days, Bluefield barely missed bringing its nine-game losing streak to an end.

Trey Wilson

February 8, 2013

BLUEFIELD, Va. – For the third time in eight days, Bluefield barely missed bringing its nine-game losing streak to an end. 

The Rams (7-15, 2-13 Mid-South Conference) lost to (RV) Shawnee State (14-9, 10-5 MSC) on Thursday night in the Dome, 77-73.

The Bears shot a blistering 59 percent (16-for-27) and sank six three-pointers in the first half to take a 41-34 lead into the intermission.

Shawnee State led 50-42 with 14:04 left, but the Rams took off on a 19-7 run.

Two breakaway dunks by Eric Swift and Josh Nesbit brought Bluefield within two. Kearsten Marion sank a three-pointer to give the Rams their first lead since early in the first half at 51-50.

Back-to-back three-pointers from Devin Page capped off the run and gave Bluefield a 61-57 lead. After four quick points from Shawnee State tied the game, Pierre Walters buried a short floater to give Bluefield a 61-63 lead, but Jeremy Bennington answered with one of his seven three-pointers.

Nesbit used an up-and-under move on the next Bluefield possession to put the Rams ahead by one, but Bennington hit another three to put the Bears ahead for good.

Bluefield had a chance to tie the game with 30 seconds left, but stingy defense from Shawnee State forced Marion to fire a contested three-pointer from the corner that clanked off the rim.

Byron Carpenter was perfect on all eight of his free throw attempts and 6-of-9 from the floor on his way to a 21-point game. He also made his only three-point attempt on the night.

Marion dropped in four three-pointers en route to a 14-point night. Walters finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. Nesbit also reached double figures with ten points.

The Rams shot 52 percent (18-for-31) in the second half and 46 percent (27-for-58) for the game.

Bennington had a game-high 25 points for the Bears. Tyler Morgan had a big night with 21 points and nine rebounds.

The Rams will return to action on Saturday at 4 p.m. to face Rio Grande (8-16, 3-11 MSC). 

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