SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - A pair of freshmen broke into double figures as the Tigers picked up a much-needed win against North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) foe Denison by a 74-45 score.
Freshman wing Josh McKee (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh) took advantage of his first career start for the Red and White by pouring in 13 points in the extended playing time. Right from the outset, the Tigers jumped out on the smaller Big Red, using their post prowess to wear down the Denison interior before opening up the perimeter game. The game on the outside proved to be the difference, as the Tigers shot more than 50 percent from the floor in the first half en route to a 39-18 bulge at the intermission.
Senior wing Kevin Murray (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) regained his form from the field, leading all scorers with 14 points on the night. Freshman wing Clayton Black (Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster) found the touch inside to punch home 11 points on the evening.
The Tigers controlled virtually every facet of the statistical battle, winning the rebounding total by a 39-32 margin. The Tigers also forced 20 Big Red turnovers and turned those miscues into 16 points. Freshman post Alex Brandt (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy) led the glass attack for Wittenberg, corralling seven rebounds. Wittenberg also forced Denison into a poor shooting night, as the Big Red only managed 33 percent from the floor.
Wittenberg moves to 2-4 on the season and starts the NCAC season on the right foot with the opening victory. Their NCAC schedule takes them on the road on Saturday, Dec. 13, to take on the Hiram Terriers from Hiram, Ohio.
Written By: Ben Bradley, SID Assistant