SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers took Otterbein's best shot over the first 20 minutes and trailed by just two points at halftime. Then the Wittenberg Tigers gave their best shot over the final 20 minutes to pull away for a 20-point victory over the Cardinals.
After watching Otterbein shoot a blistering 59 percent from the field in the first half, Wittenberg was even better in the second half, shooting 62 percent in the final frame. The end result was a 97-77 Tiger victory that moved Wittenberg to 4-1 on the season, compared to 1-4 for Otterbein.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Wittenberg against the Cardinals. The 97 points were the most for Wittenberg since 2010 and the highest output for the Tigers at home since 2005.
After took an early lead, Otterbein caught fire over the final 15 minutes of the first half, hitting 17-of-29 shots from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. The Cardinals, who held a 19-15 rebounding advantage, led by as many as eight points before the Tigers rallied to close to within 42-40 at the intermission.
A buzzer-beating jumper by senior Justin McDowell (Gahanna, Ohio/Lincoln) provided momentum for a tremendous second half for the Tigers, who shot a respectable 47 from the field and committed just two turnovers in the first half. The final 20 minutes were all Wittenberg, as the Tigers held a 23-14 rebounding advantage while knocking down 21-of-34 shots.
A three-pointer by senior guard Steven Newell (Englewood, Ohio/Northmont) at the 17:19 mark of the second half gave Wittenberg a 47-45 lead and jumpstarted a decisive 17-5 run over the next six minutes. The lead swelled to as many as 22 points in the closing moments, even as the Tigers emptied their bench.
Four starters for Wittenberg reached double figures in scoring, led by senior forward Scott Masin (New Carlisle, Ohio/Bethel) with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Zack Leahy (Rossford, Ohio/Rossford) was outstanding as well, overcoming first-half foul problems to pour in 18 points, four rebounds and six assists.
Newell finished with 14 points and three assists and junior wing Sam Collins (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights) added 12 points and four rebounds.