WOOSTER, Ohio - The latest installment in one of the most intense rivalries in college athletics produced a tremendous offensive shootout as the Wooster Scots held on for a 104-97 home victory.

The win moved the 14th-ranked Scots to 13-2 overall and 7-1 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), good for second place behind Ohio Wesleyan in the league standings. Wittenberg dropped to 4-11 overall and 2-6 in the NCAC, and the Tigers also fell behind in the all-time series between the two teams, as Wooster pulled ahead 55-54 by winning for the seventh straight time.

After sophomore Cody Phillippi (Xenia, Ohio/Xenia) opened the game with a three-pointer, the Tigers fell behind in what became a high-scoring first half. Wittenberg tied the game twice in the first half and once in the second half, but the Tigers never could overcome the Scots, the preseason NCAC favorite.

The last tie was forged by Wittenberg at the 11:51 mark of the second half on a lay-up by junior Alex Fultz (Batavia, Ohio/Glen Este). Wooster responded with an 8-1 run over the next two minutes and held on from there, thanks in large to 14-of-16 from the free throw line over the final 1:54.

The shooting was tremendous for both teams as Wooster shot 55.2 percent from the field and the Tigers matched that with 57.6 percent, a season high. The long range performance was just as impressive - 58.3 percent for Wooster and 56.5 percent for Wittenberg. The game was won at the free throw line as Wooster finished with 10 more made baskets than the Tigers.

Wittenberg won the rebounding battle 30-28, but Wooster committed just four turnovers, compared to nine for the Tigers.

Individually, Wittenberg put four players in double figures, led by Phillippi with 18 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists. Senior Ben Bowen (Arcadia, Ind./Hamilton Heights) added a career-high 15 points off the bench as he drilled 5-of-6 from three-point range.

Freshman Chris Sloneker (Monroe, Ohio/Monroe) also finished with a career-high in scoring as he contributed 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, while sophomore Shane Edwards (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) chipped in with 10 points. Sophomore Landon Hormann (West Liberty, Ohio/Salem) was also solid off the bench, finishing with nine points, six rebounds and two steals.

Written By: Ryan Maurer