Wittenberg Falls to Oberlin in NCAC Semifinal Match

Photo Credit | Kyle Youngblood
Photo Credit | Kyle Youngblood

Greencastle, IN- After Wittenberg took down the College of Wooster with a score of 76-43 to advance to the semifinal round of the 2022-23 NCAC Women's Basketball Tournament. In their 24th program appearance the Tigers took on the number four seeded Yeowomen of Oberlin. With a tight battle on their hands ending the third quarter tied and a two-point game with under three to play. Wittenberg ultimately was unable to gain the upper hand and fell with a score of 63-57.

The Tigers shot 31.3% from the field and 66.7% from the line going 16-24. Wittenberg was able to put 57 points on the board being led by Jade Simpson with 18 points and eight rebounds. Defensively, alongside Simpson the Tigers were led by Evie Wolshire with eight rebounds.

In the first quarter the Tigers controlled the ball, putting up 17 points on the board to gain a three-point lead over the Yeowomen but their lead was shortened in the second quarter, only extending their lead to 30-26 heading into the half. Oberlin took the lead in the third quarter, putting up 21 points on the board but The Tigers were able to tie the quarter 47-47 to head into the final 10-minutes of play even. Wittenberg fell in the final quarter, putting up ten points but being outscored by the Yeowomen with a final score of 63.57.

Wittenberg ends their season with an overall record of 21-5 and a conference record of 13-1. The Tigers had a tremendous season with their largest win streak coming earlier in the season with a ten-game streak and end the season averaging 64.8 points per game with 42.2% from the field, 31.2% in three points, and 66.9% in free throws.

Statistically, Wittenberg was led offensively by Jazmyn Gaines-Burns with 314 points on the season followed by Kelsey Ragan with 259. Defensively, the Tigers were led by Jade Simpson in ball control with 201 rebounds with 136 defensive rebounds.