Written By: Alexis Poliseno '20
Springfield, OH- The Wittenberg University women's basketball team hosted the Big Red from Denison University in a North Coast Athletic Conference showdown, overtaking the Big Red by an exciting 58-55 final. Before the instant thriller between the old rivals got started, the Wittenberg women's basketball program welcomed home Tigers from the past for their annual alumni game. Wittenberg put together a good team effort, finishing with four Tigers posting double-figures. Korynne Burner led the scoring charge, posting 14 points, adding five rebounds and blocking one shot and tallying one steal. Wittenberg knocked down 21 of 56 shots on the afternoon. Though the Tigers, converted on just two shots from beyond the arc, Kristie Kalis hit the go-ahead three for Wittenberg, assisted by Delaney Williams. Abigail Yunker helped provide 11 points with eight rebounds and four steals on the afternoon.
Game Breakdown
The first quarter started off with the Tigers battling the Big Red for the lead, as Denison held the early 10-8 advantage. Berner jumped out to a quick start, leading the Tigers with 10 points at the break. Riley Culver followed close behind adding six of her own. Culver and Williams each led in the rebounding effort with six apiece, heading into the half. Coming out of the locker room, the Tigers would end up outscoring the Big Red 22-8 in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Tigers made a comeback and snagged the lead after Culver put up a jumper, drawing a foul and converting on the free-throw to follow, giving the Red and White a 51-48 lead.
The Stats
Kristie Kalis '21, lead in assists with two and Williams lead in rebounds with nine. The Tigers shot 37.5% from the court and shot 20% from the three-point line. Culver finished the afternoon with 13 points, pulling down six rebounds and blocking two shots.
From The Bench
Post game interview with Coach Mahlum 1/2 pic.twitter.com/BukHPuLAhs
— Wittenberg Athletics (@WittAthletics) January 25, 2020
2/2 pic.twitter.com/7FKntCA8J0
— Wittenberg Athletics (@WittAthletics) January 25, 2020
Up next- The Tigers will be travelling to DePauw University for a Tiger versus Tiger match-up on January 29th at 7:00 p.m. Following that, the Tigers will host Kenyon College on February 1st for their Tiger Pals Day.