Springfield, OH- Wittenberg was back in action at home against Ohio Wesleyan tonight. The Tigers were coming off of a three-game win streak but stepped on the court against the current number two team in the NCAC. Wittenberg who sat at 6-4 in the conference looked to upset the Battling Bishops who were on a six-game win streak and number two in the NCAC. Wittenberg was able to take down Ohio Wesleyan with a 70-61 score to continue their own winning streak.
The Tigers were led by Taryn Cash, Delaney Williams, Abigail Yunker, Kristie Kalis, Jade Simpson on the court as Wittenberg's starting five. The starting line-up accumulated a total of 51 points, 21 rebounds, and an overall shooting percentage of 50.7%.
Wittenberg had a season average of 64.2 points per game with a field goal average of 38.4%, 28.3% in three-points, and 70.8% from the line. At the half, the Tigers were able to maintain a field goal percentage of 35.5% and 75% from the line.
The Tigers started from behind in the first quarter, going until the third minute of play before scoring their first points. Abigail Yunker was able to end the scoreless minutes with a three-point shot, starting the drive for Wittenberg. The Tigers were able to quickly take the lead over the Battling Bishops with a eight point lead heading into the second quarter. The Red & White continued to lead in the second quarter, putting up 14 points compared to OWU's 12. Wittenberg had eight different Tigers score in the first half with Abigail Yunker, Kristie Kalis and Semie Brar all leading the way with a combined 17 points. Wittenberg headed into the locker room with a 29-19 lead over Ohio Wesleyan and looked to continue to expand the lead in the second half of play.
The third quarter was a tight back-and-forth match-up with both teams going even into the final three minutes of play. The Tigers were able to carry momentum in offensive rebounds for second chance points. Energy from head coach Tamika Jeter along with the bench transferred to the court with nineteen points. Taryn Cash slid up in the stats, leading the way in points with Kalis. While the Battling Bishops put five more points up on the board in the third quarter, Wittenberg was able to hang onto the lead and headed into the fourth 48-43. In the final quarter of play the Red & White put up their highest scoring quarter with 22 points with Kalis and Cash continuing to lead the way for the Tigers. Wittenberg relied on their short-range tonight with 44 points coming from the paint.
Wittenberg Leaders- The Tigers had nine different individuals score, being led by Kristie Kalis with 13 points, going 4-12 from the field and 5-6 from the line. Defensively, Kristie Kalis led the way with six rebounds.
NCAC Leaders- Five Tigers continue to sit in the top ten in the NCAC for statistics. Kristie Kalis sits at number ten in the conference for points this season with 240 prior to today's match-up. Jade SImpson leads the Tigers at number ten in the NCAC for field goal percentage with 46.3%. Kalis continues to lead the way in three points made at number three with 39 shots being made while Yunker sits just outside at number 12 with 23. Yunker comes in at number three in the conference for three-point percentage with an average of 45.1%. Just behind in three-point percentage is Kelsey Ragan at number nine with a 34.0% average. Going 39-47, Yunker lands at number two for field goal percentage with an 83.0% success rate. On the ball control side, Jade Simpson lands at number five in the conference for rebounds with 168; 110 being defensive and 58 being offensive. Delaney Williams sits at number three for assists on the season with 77 and number nine in steals with 33 on the season. Joining in on ball control is Kalis at number three in blocks with 25. (All statistics are based prior to today's match-up. For complete NCAC statistical leaders go to https://www.northcoast.org/sports/wbkb/2021-22/leaders)
Up Next- Wittenberg will return on the road this Saturday against the College of Wooster at 12PM.