The Wittenberg Tigers have a knack for finding a way to get it done in the Kiwanis-Wittenberg Tip-Off Classic. It could simply be a matter of pride for the Tigers, an emotion displayed after Saturday's championship game with smiles and hugs all around as Wittenberg held off Washington University 74-69.
In a game where two teams appeared very even, it was the little things that made the difference for Wittenberg. The Tigers won the battle of the boards 41-38 and committed eight less fouls in the game. Wittenberg hit 43 percent from the field, compared to 42 percent for the Bears, champions of the University Athletic Association in 2003, and both teams topped 40 percent from three-point range. Washington University jumped out to leads as large as six points in the first half before Kenny Molz hit a layup as the halftime buzzer sounded to create the game's seventh tie. In the second half, the two teams continued to go back and forth before an 9-0 Tiger run in the latter stages pushed Wittenberg's lead to 10 points. The lead was chopped back down to two points before Rod Emmons drilled a three-pointer with 2:01 remaining to give the Tigers enough breathing room to work their way to the victory.
Washington University was led by Ryan DeBoer with 14 points and five rebounds, Rob Keller with 13 points and three rebounds and Mike Grunst with 11 points and six rebounds. Keller and Barry Bryant, who had 26 points in the semifinal win over Wisconsin-Platteville, made the all-tournament team.
Wittenberg got 20 points from Tournament MVP Daniel Russ, along with seven rebounds and four blocked shots. Peter Walker chipped in with a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds. Andy Bucheit added 12 points and four rebounds. All three were named to the all-tournament team. It was Wittenberg's 18th Tournament title in the 21 years of the event.