Memphis, Tennessee- The Wittenberg Tigers got off to a fast start Saturday, defeating Millikin University 79-64 in the opening round of the Rhodes College Thanksgiving Tournament in Memphis, TN.

The Tigers utilized their size in the post early, en route to an 8-0 run to start the game. Wittenberg dominated the first half in the paint, scoring 24 of their 38 points down low. The Tigers 38-33 halftime lead was also aided by nine offensive rebounds and 13 second-chance points, which helped the defense hold Millikin to 4 points in the paint and zero second-chance baskets.

Alex Fultz (Cincinnati, Ohio/Glen Este), Landon Hormann (West Liberty, Ohio/Salem), and Chris Sloneker (Monroe, Ohio/Monroe) paced the Tigers at the break with 8 points each.

Wittenberg saw their lead dwindle quickly, as they found themselves down by 4 points early in the second half. Senior guard Cody Phillippi (Xenia, Ohio/Xenia) took over in the second half, though, scoring 11 of his 16 points down the stretch while collecting a perfect 3-for-3 mark from beyond the three-point line. Jaelin Williams (Springfield, Ohio/Shawnee) and Chad Roy (Toledo, Ohio/Holland Springfield) chipped in 11 points in the team's scoring effort.

As a team, the Tigers shot an impressive 70% from the floor and 62% from behind the three-point line in the second half.

Shane Edwards (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) mopped up on the glass for Wittenberg, pulling down a team high 10 boards, leading the way in a lopsided team rebounding battle, 39-21, in favor of the Tigers.

The 79-64 victory pushes the Tigers to a 4-0 mark on the year. Wittenberg now awaits the winner of Rhodes College and Simpson College as the Tigers tournament slate continues Sunday.

Written By: Kuris Duggan