WINDSOR, Ontario - The Wittenberg Tigers battled the University of Windsor, a Division I-caliber team, to a narrow 75-68 decision in the final game of their three-game preseason exhibition game tour.
The Lancers remained unbeaten in seven games with the seven-point victory, which came less than 24 hours after Wittenberg had defeated York University in Toronto on a late three-pointer. Included in Windsor's seven wins is a double-digit win over NCAA Division I IPFW to start the season.
The Tigers, who played 14 players in both halves of the game, trailed by two points at 37-35 at halftime. Windsor went on a big run to start the third quarter as the Lancers stretched the lead out to as many as 20 points. Wittenberg refused to quit, however, battling back to whittle the margin down to seven by game's end.
The game was played at a Academie Ste. Cecile, a private international school located in Windsor. The game culminated an "Anti-Bullying" program put together as a joint effort between the University of Windsor and the school.
There were no stats available on-site after the game but some Wittenberg Head Coach Bill Brown offered his post-game thoughts.
"Windsor is an extremely talented team," he said. "They are long and athletic with excellent ball skills. Their quickness moving laterally and in jumping is something that we rarely play against.
"We were really proud of the toughness our young men demonstrated in persevering a game filled with speed and quickness. All in all, it was just an excellent, never-say-never effort that has us all excited to try to build upon as we continue to prepare for the start of our season."
The Tigers open regular season play on Saturday, Nov. 15, when they travel to play Oberlin College. The game will also serve as the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) opener for both teams.