MANCHESTER, Ind. — The Wittenberg Tigers came up with the big plays at the big moments in a nonconference 55-48 win at Manchester College.
The host Spartans led the game just once, about seven minutes into the first half, but after absorbing a 25-point defeat in Springfield a year ago, Manchester refused to go away in this one. The Tigers, who evened their record at 4-4 overall on the young season, held a 26-19 advantage at halftime and, despite a seven-point Manchester run to start the final 20 minutes, whethered everything the Spartans threw at them.
Senior wing Megan Miller (Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster) buried a three-pointer to break a 26-26 tie with 16:13 remaining in the second half. The lead was never more than nine points the rest of the way.
Defense was the key for the Tigers, who limited Manchester to a woeful 28 percent shooting from the floor in the game, including an 18 percent clip in the opening 20 minutes. Wittenberg, which has had its own shooting difficulties this season, hit for a respectable 40 percent from the field, and the Tigers also held a 39-34 rebounding advantage. In addition, the Spartans committed five more turnovers in the game.
Individually, the Tigers got big games from senior post Kathy Hittle (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) and junior post Katie Gregorevich (Northfield, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit). Hittle had a tough night offensively, hitting 2-of-10 from the field and finishing with seven points, but she was tremendous on the boards with a season-high 15 rebounds. She also added four steals, three assists and two blocked shots. Gregorevich added 14 points and three rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench.
In addition, senior wing Rachel Clark-Haggy (South Charleston, Ohio/Southeastern) contributed 11 points and six rebounds.
The Tigers get right back at it Wednesday when unbeaten Wilmington pays the HPER Center a visit. Tip is slated for 7:30 p.m.