Wittenberg went through another up and down week at home, losing to Earlham 70-57 (Jan. 24) and defeating Oberlin 62-49 (Jan. 27). The team now stands fifth in the NCAC, one-half game behind fourth-place Earlham and one full game behind third-place Denison.
Against Earlham, the Tigers dug themselves a 16-point first half deficit, a shocking development considering Wittenberg had mauled Earlham, 87-35, on Nov. 29 in Richmond, Ind.
Wittenberg rallied in the second half and finally tied the game at 51-51 on a three-point goal by sophomore forward-guard Kate Rolf (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll) with 5:24 left. But the team managed to score just six points the rest of the game.
Rolf scored 20 points and was the only Tiger to score in double figures.
Against Oberlin, Wittenberg built a 29-22 halftime lead and never allowed the visitors any closer than that in the second half.
Rolf scored a game and career-high 21 points while senior center Jamie Brafford (Monroe, Ohio/Lakota) matched a season high with 10 points.
The Tigers are idle on Wednesday, but will make up for it with back to back games in less than 24 hours at the HPER Center over the weekend. Conference leader Allegheny comes calling on Friday night, followed by Hiram on Saturday afternoon.