SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Wittenberg Tigers turned to their starting "bigs" and the low-post tandem of seniors Dane Borchers (Russia, Ohio/Russia) and Jack Hemenway (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) came through with a combined 42 points, 19 rebounds and six blocked shots in a 72-50 victory at Hiram.
The Tigers won for the seventh straight time to improve to 13-2 overall and 5-1 in the North Coast Athletic Conference. Hiram dropped to 4-11 overall and 3-3 in the NCAC.
The Tigers jumped in front on a three-pointer from senior guard Pat Denbow (Louisville, Ky./St. Xavier) on their first possession and slowly built on the lead from there. The half ended much as it began as sophomore wing Gregg Hill (Redford, Mich./Union) drilled a three-pointer on the Tigers' final possession to give eighth-ranked Wittenberg a 37-25 lead at intermission.
The second half offered more of the same. The Tigers pounded it to Borchers and Hemenway for interior looks, and when they weren't knocking down their shots the perimeter players were enjoying success. By game's end, Borchers had a season-high 27 points to go along with 11 rebounds and five blocked shots. Hemenway added 15 points, eight rebounds and a block. Also of note was the play of senior wing Billy Bowen (Arcadia, Ind./Hamilton Heights), who contributed three points, three assists and seven rebounds to the party.
While the Tigers' work on the offensive end was impressive - including 46 percent shooting from the floor and 12-of-14 shooting from the free throw line - they stifled an up-tempo Hiram attack. Wittenberg won the battle of the boards 46-31 and harrassed the Terriers into 29 percent shooting for the game.