Springfield, OH-The Wittenberg Tigers played in a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle with the #25 Denison Big Red that came down to the final seconds after three ties and four lead changes down the stretch before visiting Denison came away with a 56-54 win. The loss dropped the Tigers to 5-9 (1-4 NCAC), while the Big Red improved to 12-1 (4-0 NCAC).

After the first half, the scrappy Tigers trailed by only five, with a score of 30-25. Keeping the Tigers in the hunt was Eddie Brown (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy Orange), who led the team with eight points and three rebounds, while Cal Bavineau (Dexter, MI / Dexter) had five points and also led the team in rebounds and steals at the break with three and two in those categories.

After a slow start to the second half for both teams, Brown really started to turn it on for the Tigers, highlighted by a clutch three-pointer with approximately 2:30 remaining to tie the game at 52. With a minute left, Wittenberg took a time out with the game tied at 54. Unfortunately they were unable to the score, and after Denison hit a short jumper with nine seconds left, the Tigers had one last chance as they got the ball to Tyler Galluch (Springfield, OH / Catholic Central), but the shot fell just short to give the win to Denison.

Brown ended up leading the team in points with 26, which ties the season-high for any Wittenberg player thus far. He also led the team in rebounds, finishing with nine, and Dawson Scott (New Castle, IN / New Castle) recorded five of his own. Bavineau, Galluch and freshman Isaiah Chitapa (Louisville, KY / Evangle Christian) shared the team lead in assists with two apeice. Daniel Asher (Indianapolis, IN / Roncalli) led the bench in scoring and rebounding with six and two. 

Both teams were within two percent of each other in shooting percentage, three-point percentage, and free throw percentage, with Wittenberg having the edge in overall shooting percentage and free throw percentage. Both teams forced eight turnovers and Denison committed 11 fouls to the Tigers' 10. Brown also recorded a block, which was the lone block for either team throughout the game.

The Tigers' next game will be against Kenyon in Gambier on Wednesday, January 15, with tip-off coming at 8:00 p.m.