Tigers Claw Past Allegheny, 65-54

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Clayton Black

MEADVILLE, Pa. — Coming off an emotional victory over arch-rival Wooster, the Wittenberg Tigers did not suffer a letdown in a 65-54 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) win over Allegheny.

The win came three days after an improbable one-point win at Wooster, which has won seven straight NCAC regular season titles and came into the game ranked fifth nationally. The Tigers improved to 4-2 overall and 3-0 in the NCAC.

While the Tigers didn't experience a letdown coming off the big win, they certainly didn't put together a clean game against Allegheny, which fell to 2-8 overall and 0-2 in the league. Wittenberg was unable to take advantage of a significant height advantage, finishing with a one-rebound edge, and the Tigers committed 20 turnovers, two shy of their season-high.

Both teams held the lead for part of the first half before the Tigers seized control with an 8-0 burst over the final 2:58 that stretched a five-point lead to 35-22 headed into the locker room at halftime. The Gators never got closer than seven points over the final 20 minutes.

Two of the Tigers' key post players were saddled with foul problems throughout the game, forcing senior Clayton Black (Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster) in some extra duty. He responded well with 11 points, a career-high 11 rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes.

Three other players also finished in double figures offensively, led by senior Michael Cooper (Springfield, Ohio/South) with 16 points and five rebounds. Sophomore Zack Leahy (Rossford, Ohio/Rossford) and senior Josh McKee (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh) added 10 points apiece. McKee added five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a solid performance.

Wittenberg now has 10 days off to focus on final exams. The Tigers return to action at Ohio Northern on Dec. 20.