OBERLIN, Ohio—NCAC play rolled on for the undefeated Tigers, as Wittenberg hit the road on Saturday to take on the Yeomen of Oberlin. Oberlin's defense managed to contain the Tigers for most of the first half, as Wittenberg took a 33-30 lead into the break. The second half was all Tigers, as the Yeomen went ice cold from the floor, allowing the Tigers to pull away and win the game at 77-56. The win sends Wittenberg to 21-0 (14-0), and serves as their 12th straight victory by double-digits. Wittenberg's stronghold on the all-time series lead against Oberlin moves to 80-7.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Wittenberg trailed early on, and gained the lead for the first time on Saturday at 12-9 after a James Johnson three-pointer found the bottom of the net. Oberlin came roaring back with a trio of three-pointers of their own, taking a 22-21 lead with six minutes remaining in the opening half, before Wittenberg hit their stride. Mitchell Balser connected on a corner three with under two minutes remaining in the half, and Connor Seipel connected on one of two free-throw attempts to send the Tigers into the locker room up 33-30 at halftime. The Tigers gained breathing room with 15 minutes remaining in regulation, as Landon Martin scored off a pick and pop, extending the lead to 45-39. With 11:24 remaining, Seipel found Roy underneath the basket for an easy layup, as the Tigers then led 55-46. Oberlin would secure their 50th point of the game at the 9:26 mark, and connected on their 51st point with 3:21 remaining on a free-throw attempt. Oberlin's next field goal came with 1:35 remaining in the game, nearly an eight-minute dry spell, as the Tigers then led 75-56. Rashaad Ali-Shakir put the finishing touches on the game with two free-throws, as Wittenberg sealed the deal at 77-56.
WHO STOOD OUT: Jacob Bertemes (16), Roy (14), Johnson (12), Balser (12) and Ali-Shakir (10) served as the Tigers double-digit scorers on Saturday. Seipel pulled down 10 boards, while Jordan Pumroy chipped in six. Bertemes and Seipel each recorded three assists in the win, while Pumroy, Balser and Roy all recorded two dimes.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: Wittenberg's defensive efforts stole the show on Saturday, holding Oberlin to 22 of 56 from the field. The Tigers shot nearly 48% from the floor, and connected on nine of their 23 three-point attempts. The Tigers also bullied Oberlin on the low block, outrebounding the Yeomen 42-25. Wittenberg's bench stepped up big in the win, outscoring Oberlin 26-9 in a game that saw four ties and 12 lead changes.
UP NEXT: Wittenberg is back in action on Wednesday against Wabash College. The Tigers and the Little Giants are set to tip in Springfield at 7:30 P.M.
.@mattcroci on today's 77-56 win for #3 @WittenbergHoops #TigerUp #d3h pic.twitter.com/FZESXpgVR0
— Wittenberg Athletics (@WittAthletics) February 3, 2018
FINAL: @WittenbergHoops moves to 21-0 with big second half on the road at Oberlin. Bertemes leads the Tigers with 16 points. 12 straight double-digit wins for the Tigers #TigerUp #d3h pic.twitter.com/Fwz1G8PyA4
— Wittenberg Athletics (@WittAthletics) February 3, 2018
— Bob Seipel (@Beererator) February 3, 2018