Springfield, OH- Wittenberg Tigers were back on campus for a non-conference matchup against the Fighting Muskies of Muskingum University. Prior to tonight's game, Wittenberg led in field goal percentage, free throw percentage and assists per game and just behind Muskingum's average 3PT% and rebounds per game. Korynne Berner is a large reason why the Tigers lead in FG% being fourth in the NCAC for FG% averaging 49.3 percent. While Nora Hopkins helps out with three pointers, averaging 42.9 percent and second in the NCAC.
A last minute change in plans put the Tigers in the historic 1929 Fieldhouse Gymnasium, the close environment led to an energetic game from both teams and fans. Riley Culver got things started for the Tigers putting up back to back shots, but a fast paced Muskingum team kept possession even through the first quarter. Kristie Kalis was able to put up two back to back three pointers to swing the momentum in the Tigers favor with less than five to go in the first quarter. Muskingum played close defense, making the Tigers work harder for their shots but Wittenberg was able to put up 18 with a last second shot from Samantha Wyatt in the first quarter to lead 18-13. The Tigers ended the first quarter with 57.1% in field goals and 50.0% in 3PT%.
Tigers were able to get the first point in the second quarter with a free throw from Wyatt. Delaney Williams was able to control the ball on defense and offense in the second quarter with a steal and back to back field goals to extend Wittenberg's lead by fourteen points. Williams would continue to dominate on defense with nine total steals on the night. Both Muskingum and Wittenberg continued a fast paced game and tough defense, but the Tigers were able to put up twenty-three points to go into the half up 41-27. Wittenberg defense made for a panicked Muskingum offense in the third quarter, missing shots left and right. The Tigers focused more on defense and only put up elven points in the third quarter but went into the fourth quarter up 52-40. The Tigers were able to add nineteen points in the fourth quarter to end the game up 71-56. Tigers ended the game with a FG% of 49.1%, 3PT% of 46.2%, and 73.3% on free throws.
Key Player: Williams tormented Muskingum on defense with seven steals in the first half. Williams would end up tying the single game record with nine steals in the fourth quarter at the 9:52 mark.
From The Bench
Up Next: The Tigers will be on the road Wednesday, December 18th to take on Franklin in a non-conference match-up. Tip off will be at 3:00 PM.