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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Nothing came easy for the Wittenberg Tigers in the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinals - but then again, come tournament time, it really isn't supposed to be easy. The 10th-ranked Tigers overcame a sluggish start to capture a 72-49 victory over visiting Hiram and advance to the NCAC Tournament semifinals.
In advancing to the semifinals for the 18th straight year, the Tigers did it the hard way, shooting 32 percent in taking a six-point lead into the locker room at halftime. The second half was a different story, however, as Wittenberg hit 13-of-20 shots from the field and harrassed the Terriers into 26 percent shooting.
The win earned the Tigers a rubber match with Ohio Wesleyan in the first of two semifinal games Friday at Wooster. Tip time is slated for 5:30 p.m., with the winner moving on to Saturday's championship game against the winner of the Wooster vs. Wabash semifinal Friday. Wittenberg has won the last two NCAC Tournament titles - both on the Scots' home court.
The key to Wittenberg's success this season has been the development of a balanced offensive attack, which deserted the Tigers in Saturday's loss at Allegheny in the regular season finale. On Tuesday, three players once again comprised the majority of the Wittenberg offense - something that must change if the second-seeded Tigers are to get the best of third-seeded Ohio Wesleyan.
Wittenberg actually trailed in this game 22-21 at the 4:37 mark of the first half before two free throws from senior post Dane Borchers (Russia, Ohio/Russia)sparked a 9-2 half-ending burst that staked Wittenberg to a 30-24 lead. The final 20 minutes were a different story, however, as the Tigers scored the first seven points and kept the lead in double figures the rest of the way.
Borchers was simply outstanding in what was likely his final appearance in the HPER Center. He hit for game-highs of 26 points and eight rebounds. Sixteen of the points and six of the boards came in a dominant second half.
Senior post Jack Hemenway (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) added 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and four blocked shots in a fine performance of his own, and sophomore wing Gregg Hill (Redford, Mich./Union) came back from an off-night at Allegheny to hit for 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Hiram was paced by Brandon Pool with 11 points and four rebounds and Mike Staley with 10 points and two assists. However, the Terriers managed just 29 percent shooting in the game, including a 3-of-18 mark from three-point range, and they lost the battle of the boards by a 39-28 count.