Wittenberg Eases Past Tufts To Open Season

ROCHESTER, NY — A stout defensive effort and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line for senior wing Kenny Brady led the Wittenberg Tigers to a season-opening 69-55 victory over Tufts University in the first game of the Resler Invitational at the University of Rochester.

The Tigers, ranked 10th in the nation, will go for the title at 8 p.m. Saturday, potentially against the host Yellow Jackets, who have reached the last two NCAA Division III Tournament Final Fours and start this season ranked in the top 10.

Wittenberg picked up just eight points and eight assists combined from its senior post players Dane Borchers and Daniel Russ, both of whom were saddled with foul trouble throughout the game. However, with the Tigers' top two scorers from the 2004-05 season struggling, Brady led everyone with 21 points, including 14 in the second half. He hit seven straight free throws in the final 20 minutes as the Tigers slowly expanded a two-point halftime advantage to the final 14-point margin.

Three freshmen came off the bench to provide some crucial minutes as the Tigers struggled to overcome a three-rebound deficit (Wittenberg led the nation in rebounding margin a year ago) and an uncharacteristic 24 turnovers. Wing Tyler Howard scored all 10 of his points in the first half, while guard Gregg Hill overcame five turnovers to contribute nine points in 24 minutes. In addition, wing D.J. Corbett added eight points in 22 quality minutes.

The key to the game was Wittenberg's defense. While the Tigers were shooting a respectable 47.7 percent from the field and nailing 22-of-25 free throws as a team, Tufts managed just 29 percent shooting from the floor. The Jumbos managed just 4-of-21 from three-point range.

Brady's seven rebounds also led the Tigers and shared game honors. Junior guard Pat Denbow, making his first career start, led all players with five assists.