DELPHOS — Jefferson found just enough offense down the stretch to slip past Bluffton in a back-and-forth battle on Friday night.

The Wildcats earned a 39-38 win over the Pirates, snapping a five-game losing streak against Bluffton in the process. Bluffton, meanwhile, remained in search of its first win of the season.

The game stayed close from the opening minutes. In the first quarter, Jefferson’s Isaac Rostorfer cut to the basket and scored to give the Wildcats a three-point edge in a one-possession contest.

Bluffton answered later in the half. Bean Ginther knocked down a basket to pull the Pirates within one, before Brody Donley capitalized on a Jefferson miscue, racing the other way for a layup that tied the game.

Jefferson created some separation with outside shooting. Jace Harter connected from long range to put the Wildcats back in control, and Jefferson continued to push the tempo as the ball eventually found Nelson Miller. The sophomore finished the possession, helping Jefferson maintain its slim advantage.

Bluffton had chances late, but Jefferson was able to close out the final seconds to secure the one-point victory.

Jefferson walked away with the 39-38 win, while Bluffton came up just short in another closely contested outing.

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