Springfield, OH- Wittenberg met the Terriers of Hiram College for the forty-sixth time in program history, with the Tigers leading the series only falling to the Terriers three times in prior meetings. The 8-4 Tigers looked to add another win under their belt in the series and improve their conference record to 2-2. With a twenty point lead over the Terriers and 68-48 win, Wittenberg improved to a 9-4 record on the season.
Wittenberg got an early lead in the first quarter tallying a scoring run of seven points but were unable to keep that lead going into the second quarter down by four. Efforts from the starters were matched well by the Terriers, only behind in stats on rebounds. The Tigers shot for 54.5% in field goals and 33.3% in 3PT% and went into the second quarter down 17-13.
After starting the second quarter down, the Tigers kicked it into high gear to take the lead early. Wittenberg was able to maintain their 54.5% in field goals and limit Hiram to only nine points to give them a 31-26 lead going into the half. Kristie Kalis led the Tiger defense, totaling five defensive rebounds, while Delaney Williams led the offense with nine points combined. The Tigers led in total rebounds, FG%, and FT% to give them some confidence coming out of the locker room.
The Tigers kept momentum in the third quarter and extended their five point lead to a nineteen point lead with four minutes left in the quarter. Wittenberg would then extend their lead further to give them their largest lead of the night with a 55-32 score.
A determined Wittenberg team continued to hammer the nail in the coffin for Hiram in the fourth quarter. With a twenty point lead the Tigers let the clock run out to defeat the Terriers with a score of 68-48. Wittenberg finished with a 48.0% in field goals, 28.6% in 3PT%, 72.7% in free throw percentage, and thirty six rebounds to end the night.
NCAC Leaders: Korynne Berner is second in the NCAC for FG% with 50.8% while Nora Hopkins is third for 3PT% with 38.2%. Delaney Williams joins the two in the top five for steals. Williams is fourth in the NCAC for steals, averaging 2.9 takeaways a game.
Up Next: The Tigers will be back tomorrow, January 4th to take on Allegheny at 4:00 PM from Pam Evans Smith Arena.