Delaware, OH- The Wittenberg Tigers travelled to Delaware, OH for a conference match-up with the Bishops of Ohio Wesleyan. The now 12-5 Tigers had a tough battle ahead of them, going into overtime and facing an adrenaline fueled Bishop team. Tigers were able to tie it up in overtime but ultimately fell in the last 52 seconds of the game with a score of 75-73.
The Tigers got off to a slow start in the first quarter, only putting up 15 points compared to the Bishops 20. But a determined offense came back in the second quarter to outscore OWU 13-7. The Tigers were able to put six points on the board unanswered to start the quarter and ended up going into the half up 28-27. The Tigers shot for 40.7% in field goals for the first two quarters, and 100% in free throws.
Coming out of the half, Wittenberg faced a tough back and forth battle with the Bishops, taking a 34-33 lead with seven minutes left in the quarter. The battle was tied 44-44 in the few remaining minutes in the third quarter. Wittenberg would start the fourth quarter down 47-44 and would look to get back to their scoring ways in the fourth quarter. The Tigers were able to add 22 points to the board in the fourth quarter, out-scoring the Bishops by three. The Tigers came back from a eight point deficit to tie it up 60-60. Both teams put ten more points on the board before time ran out in regulation, sending the Tigers into overtime with a 70-70 score. Wittenberg improved their FG% in the second two quarters to 47.6% and 3-point FG% to 42.9%.
Overtime would be just as stressful for the Tigers and fans alike, with another tied score of 72-72 with less than a minute of play in overtime. The Tigers showed grit and toughness in the last minutes of overtime but fell to the Bishops with a score of 75-73.
Key Players: Tigers were led by Korynne Berner with 11 rebounds and 20 points. Also leading the Tigers was Abigail Yunker who dropped 20 points as well. On defense, Kristie Kalis picked up 10 rebounds, 9 of which were defensive rebounds.
Up Next: The Tigers will be back home on Saturday, January 25th to take on the Big Red from Denison in a redemption match on Wittenberg's Alumni Day. Tip-off is at 2:00 PM.