Tigers Slip Past Oberlin In NCAC Opener

OBERLIN, Ohio – The Wittenberg Tigers opened the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) portion of their 2012-13 schedule with a 42-38 road win over Oberlin.

The Tigers won their second straight game to even their record at 3-3 overall, while Oberlin dropped to 4-4. The two teams will meet again on Wittenberg's home floor on Jan. 26.

While Wittenberg has won 46 of 51 all-time meetings against the Yeowomen, the Tigers had lost the last two times they ventured onto Oberlin's home floor. For the third straight year, Wittenberg struggled to score against the Yeowomen, but this time the Tigers' defense and rebounding saved the day.

Oberlin held a 20-19 edge at halftime. With the score tied at 23, the two teams went through a five-minute drought that was finally broken by sophomore Katelyn Haralamos (Maineville, Ohio/Kings) with a fast-break lay-up at the 11:09 mark of the second half. That kickstarted a decisive 13-0 run that was preserved in the final minutes by some stellar defense as Oberlin whittled the lead to four but could get no closer.

Wittenberg hit just 23 percent of its shots in the game, but Oberlin was held to 20 percent shooting. The Yeowomen made three more three-pointers in the game, but that was offset by two more field goals overall and three more converted free throws for the Tigers. In addition, Wittenberg won the rebounding battle 53-44 and committed one less turnover in the game.

Individually, junior Amber Rice (South Charleston, Ohio/Southeastern) led the Tigers with 11 points, eight rebounds and three steals, while sophomore Enri Small (Columbus, Ohio/Columbus School for Girls) added 10 points, four rebounds and two steals. Both players also contributed two assists.

Also of note was the play of senior Sarah Skidmore (Troy, Ohio/Miami East) off the bench. She contributed a career-high 10 rebounds, including seven at the offensive end.