SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Opponents know that the Wittenberg Tigers have an outstanding frontline returning in 2005-06 and they are determined to take the post game away. So other players will have to step up as they did Tuesday in a 73-54 victory over Capital in the Tigers' home opener.

Wittenberg, which was coming off a tournament title at the University of Rochester over the weekend, improved to 3-0 on the young season. Capital, which was also off to a 2-0 start, suffered its first loss, although this was a far closer game than the one staged between these two teams a year ago. The Tigers crushed Capital by 29 points on its home floor in 2004.

The Tigers never trailed in the game, but they also couldn't put the Crusaders away until relatively late, finally expanding the lead into double figures on a lay-up by Billy Bowen at the 6:30 mark of the second half. As Capital went scoreless for more than four minutes, the Tigers pushed the lead out to 19 points, with a three-pointer by Bowen capping the 10-0 run.

Senior wing Phil Steffes led all players with 15 points, all in the first half. The total was one off his career-high set a year ago against Urbana. He was nearly perfect in the game, finishing with four rebounds and one steal in addition to his 15 points, accomplished with 6-of-6 shooting from the field, including 1-of-1 from three-point range, and 2-of-2 from the free throw line.

Bowen, a junior wing, came off the bench to contribute a season-high 12 points, all in the second half, and seven rebounds in just 19 minutes of action. Senior wing Kenny Brady added 12 points and three steals to the effort and senior posts Dane Borchers and Daniel Russ battled through early foul problems to finish with nine points apiece and 15 rebounds between them.

Capital was limited to just 32 percent shooting in the second half, compared to 58 percent for the Tigers, and Wittenberg won the battle of the boards decisively, 37-21.