Springfield, OH- The Tigers met the Yeowomen of Oberlin College for the third time this season and second time at home. Wittenberg gained home advantage in the NCAC quarterfinals after finishing the regular season with a 18-7 overall record and 11-5 conference record. Tonight marked the Tigers 30th appearance in the NCAC tournament and after tonight's 46-36 win over the Yeowomen it marks the programs 24th appearance in the semifinals. The last time these two teams met, Oberlin took the Tigers with a 71-54 score but Wittenberg made sure to keep the series undefeated at home.
Game Breakdown: Tigers led in the first half, putting up eight points in the first quarter and 11 in the second. Wittenberg's defense was able to stop Oberlin who could only put up four points in the first quarter and two in the third quarter. Tigers were able to lead on the stat sheet in field goals with 26.5% compared to 25.9% put up by the Yeowomen and led in free throw percentage with 76.9%. The Red and White had their best offensive play in the third quarter after putting up 14 points and shooting 54.5% in field goals and hitting two of two foul shots for 100% in free throws for the period. The third quarter also brought an intensity to Wittenberg's defense who was able to strip the ball from Yeowomen hands with four steals and eight defensive rebounds. The fourth quarter would be the Tigers toughest quarter with Oberlin picking up on momentum but Wittenberg kept their lead and took the win with a score of 46-36.
Key Players: Tiger offense was led by senior Korynne Berner who put up 14 points with a 37.5% field goal average and 100% on the free throw line. Close behind was fellow senior, Riley Culver who got 11 points on the board after sinking nine of twelve free throws and a field goal. Culver picked up a total of ten rebounds, six of them being defensive rebounds. Abigail Yunker ended the night with eight points on the board and seven defensive rebounds to help the Tigers gain possession.
Head Coach, Kelly Mahlum said "our focus was defensive, I think last Saturday when we played them we we're not good on the ball so our focus was making sure defensively to do really good today so that could help create some offense." The Tigers were able to play solid defense to hold the Yeowomen and bring momentum onto the offensive side to create the lead early and secure another win and improve their overall record to 19-7.
Up Next: The ladies will continue their post-season run on Friday, February 28th at 7 PM on the road when they take on Denison.