Tigers Hold Off Denison To Remain Unbeaten In Conference Play

Michael Cooper

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Wittenberg men's basketball team parlayed a commanding 41-24 rebounding advantage into a hard-fought 67-58 victory over visiting North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) rival Denison.

Wittenberg, which improved to 12-3 overall and remained atop the NCAC standings at 6-0, poured in 18 second chance points in the game, compared to four for Denison. In total, the Big Red, who fell to 6-9 overall and 3-3 in the conference, were outscored 34-20 in the paint by the Tigers.

The Big Red refused to allow the Tigers to coast in this one, however, rallying from an 11-point first half deficit to close to 34-33 at the half. In the second half, Wittenberg again appeared to take control of the game, jumping out to a 15-point lead on a three-pointer from senior Michael Cooper (Springfield, Ohio/South) at the 13:34 mark, capping a half-opening 17-3 run.

But Denison battled back again, rallying back into its first tie since the opening moments on a pair of free throws by Larry Farmer at the 4:15 mark. The Tigers responded seconds later with the first of three dunks in the closing moments from senior Clayton Black (Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster).

Farmer added a three-pointer with 1:26 that again closed the gap to one possession at 61-58, but Wittenberg scored the last six points as sophomore Zack Leahy (Rossford, Ohio/Rossford) hit 4-of-6 free throws in the final 36 seconds.

Black led Wittenberg with 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Cooper added 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Senior Josh McKee (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh) finished with 14 points and six rebounds, while Leahy and senior Alex Brandt (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy) added nine points apiece.

The Tigers, who have won seven straight games, return to action against nationally ranked Wabash at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Pam Evans Smith Arena. The Tiger Sports Network will have all the action.