Big Win Over Wabash Sends Men's Basketball To NCAC Semis

SPRINGFIELD, OH - Wittenberg Men's Basketball turned in perhaps its most complete performance of the 2025-26 season at a most opportune time - the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Tournament quarterfinals.

After spotting Wabash the game's opening basket, it was all Wittenberg as the Tigers advanced to the NCAC Tournament semifinals with a 77-53 victory over the Little Giants. It was Wittenberg's third win of the season against Wabash and its second between the two teams in less than a week.

"Really proud of our guys' focus and preparation over the last few days," said Wittenberg Head Coach Darren Hertz. "We knew it would be challenging playing a team we just faced less than a week ago. I thought we were locked in to our scouting report on both sides of the ball for 40 minutes tonight.

"We played to our strengths. It was a total team effort. We are excited to continue on and play a great Denison team Friday night!"

Wittenberg, the tournament's fourth seed, improved to 18-8 overall on the 2025-26 season after winning just nine games a year ago. The Tigers will take on NCAC regular season champion Denison on the Big Red's home floor on Friday, Feb. 27. John Carroll and DePauw will also play in the semifinals on Friday, also at Denison.

Wabash, the fifth seed in the NCAC Tournament, saw its season come to a close with an overall record of 15-11.

Balance was key for the Tigers as four players scored in double figures, led by freshman guards Noah Frayer (Odenton, MD / SPIRE Academy) and Jace Wardlow (Bowling Green, KY / Bowling Green) with 13 points apiece. Senior Eddie Brown (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy Orange) matched that point total in the final home game of his outstanding collegiate career, and he led all players with nine rebounds as well, which gave him 607 for his career.

Sam Miller (Ashville, OH / Teays Valley) was right behind with 12 points off the bench, while Tyler Galluch (Springfield, OH / Catholic Central) added eight points and Spence Davidson (Lebanon, OH / Lebanon) was productive in his 15 minutes off the bench with five points and a game-high five assists.

The Tigers shot 52.8% from the field and a sizzling 47.6% from three-point range in the game, in addition to knocking down 11-of-13 from the free throw line. And Wittenberg did the job defensively as well, holding Wabash to 33.9% shooting, including a paltry 3-of-25 from three-point range. The Tigers also won the rebounding battle decisively, 32-25.

Written By: Ryan Maurer