Wooster, Ohio – The Wittenberg women's basketball team exploded out of the gate, taking a 33-24 lead into the break over the Fighting Scots of Wooster. Wittenberg defeated the Fighting Scots 71-63 in the first game of the rivalry series from the road. The Tigers expanded on a 50% shooting effort after the first quarter, as Amanda Raber came off the bench to provide seven points in 15 minutes of action. Freshman Delaney Williams was credited with seven of the 12 Wittenberg assists through the first half.

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Tigers were able to hold the Scots to just 27% from the field in the first half, including just four made three-point attempts in the first quarter. Abigail Crum stepped in to tally six points, knocking down all three of her attempts from the field. Crum added two rebounds and an assist in her 11 minutes of action before the intermission. The Tigers outscored the Scots 19-12 in the first quarter. It was a career day for the Upper Arlington native, as Crum posted 12 total points on five of five shooting from the field, adding eight rebounds to her final total. Wittenberg could not be slowed down in the second half, continuing to shoot 38% and 40% from the field. Junior Alex Kiess recorded nine of her 13 total points in the fourth quarter of action. Kiess finished with four rebounds, an assist and a steal. Junior Sydney Mayle added 13 points, with three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Mayle converted on six of nine attempts from the field, and both in the fourth quarter. The final double digit scoring effort of the day for the Tigers was by Kristie Kalis scoring 10 points and reeling in seven rebounds.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: Wittenberg posted their highest shooting marks of the new year, converting on 26 of 61 from the field. The Tigers were able to knock down 31% of their looks from deep range along the way. Wooster was held to just 41% through the first half and 33% on the day. The Tigers were able to find support from their bench along the way, as the Wittenberg reserves outscored the Scots bench 32-27.

FROM THE BENCH: "We had a great team effort today. Amanda Raber hit three baskets in a row in the second quarter that really gave us a good shot in the arm. Abigail Crum went five for five from the floor with eight rebounds for the game. Alex and Syd both hit big buckets to help with the momentum swings as well. Happy how we played on the road today," said coach Kelly Mahlum.

UP NEXT: Wittenberg will return to action on Wednesday, January 17 when they travel to Ohio Wesleyan to take on the Battling Bishops. Tip-off is set for 7:00 P.M.