GAMBIER, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers opened the game on a 16-4 run and never looked back, using an outstanding defensive performance to secure a 66-54 victory over the host Kenyon Lords.

The win snapped a modest two-game losing streak for the 18th-ranked Tigers, who remain in a three-way tie for second place in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) at 7-2 as the regular season title chase hits the halfway mark. Second-ranked Wooster, which held on for a 69-62 win at Wittenberg on Jan. 18, is two games clear of the field at 9-0.

The Tigers limited Kenyon to 32 percent shooting from the field, and Wittenberg held a commanding 44-34 advantage in rebounds. Offensively, the Tigers shot 40 percent while putting three players in double figures.

After the Lords scored the game's first basket, Wittenberg ambushed the host team for 16 of the next 18 points. By halftime, the Tigers held a 36-24 lead, and over the final 20 minutes the Lords would get no closer than nine points.

Wittenberg, which improved to 13-3 overall, was paced individually by junior Sam Collins (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights) with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Senior Scott Masin (New Carlisle, Ohio/Bethel) added 14 points and six rebounds, while senior point guard Steven Newell (Dayton, Ohio/Northmont) contributed 10 points and two assists.

The Tigers, who were playing without senior guard Zack Leahy (Rossford, Ohio/Rossford) due to injury, picked up 22 points and 15 rebounds from players who came off the bench.

Wittenberg hits the road again Saturday, Jan. 25, for a game at Allegheny. Tip-off in Meadville is scheduled for 2 p.m.