Wittenberg defeats Denison 70-48 to remain perfect in NCAC play

GRANVILLE, Ohio - It was another day at the office for the Wittenberg Tigers, and now two of the biggest games of the year await the two-time defending North Coast Athletic Conference champions. First things first, however, and Saturday's 70-48 decision over Denison was an important step toward the Tigers' ultimate goals this season.

Wittenberg gave up the first basket of the game, but came right back on a three-point play by senior forward Kevin Longley (Vandalia, Ohio/Butler) with 19:09 remaining in the first half. From that point, the Tigers quickly expanded their lead and cruised to the victory, expanding a 31-21 halftime lead to as much as 24 points before settling in at the final 70-48 margin. The 48 points Denison scored was the second-lowest of the season for a Wittenberg opponent - Oberlin scored 43 in a Jan. 4 loss.

The Tigers continued to shoot the ball well from the floor, hitting 50 percent of their shots, including 47 percent (8 of 17) from three-point range. In an odd twist, Wittenberg was actually outrebounded in the game, 33-24, but the Tigers committed a season-low six turnovers, compared to 22 for the Big Red.

Wittenberg was paced offensively by Longley and freshman center Daniel Russ (Louisville, Ky./Trinity), who each hit for 15 points. High rebounder was junior forward Peter Walker (Louisville, Ky./St. Xavier), who finished with four boards and four points in 15 minutes of action. All 15 players in uniform saw action in the game.

Now with a 6-0 record in the NCAC and a mark of 11-3 overall, the Tigers have put themselves in great position heading into a crucial week of competition. On Wednesday, Wabash College makes the trip to Springfield, bringing along a 5-1 record in the NCAC, a veteran roster that handed Wittenberg its only conference defeat in 2001-02 and a Player of the Year candidate in Joe DesJean. Then on Saturday, Wittenberg goes back on the road for a date at the College of Wooster, the Tigers' annual rival atop the conference standings that it currently ranked No. 10 in the nation. Both games can be heard on the radio in Springfield on WULM 1600 AM and via the Internet at either schools' Web site. The game against Wabash, the back half of a doubleheader with the Tigers' NCAC-leading women's team, will be broadcast on tape delay by Time Warner Cable in the Dayton area. Check your local listings for times.