Tigers Drop Season Opener To Marietta

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers put an entirely new lineup on the floor at the start of the 2015-16 season opener, and the early returns were extremely positive. However, after scoring the game's first 10 points, the new-look Tigers cooled off as visiting Marietta heated up to pull out a 65-48 victory.

Wittenberg held a 16-12 lead through the end of the first quarter, but Marietta seized the momentum with a dominating second quarter that produced a 41-27 halftime advantage. After the Tigers showed some resolve, and better offensive efficiency that featured more shots around the basket and less three-pointers in the third quarter, the Pioneers pulled away over the final 10 minutes, outscoring Wittenberg 15-4.

Thirty of Wittenberg's 57 shots from the field were taken from behind the three-point line, and the Tigers finished just 6-of-30 from long range. By contrast, Marietta finished 5-of-15 from three-point range. Overall, the Tigers shot 31.6 percent from the field and 6-of-13 from the free throw line.

Both teams pulled down 45 rebounds in the game, but Wittenberg committed 28 turnovers, compared to 13 for the visitors. The Pioneers finished with a 29-7 advantage in the points off turnovers category.

Individually, Wittenberg was paced by senior Taylore Bundy (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy Orange), who made her return to the starting lineup with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Bundy was a starter as a sophomore, but she missed most of the 2014-15 season due to injury.

Sophomore Becca Ziska (Brook Park, Ohio/Berea-Midpark) scored nine points and added five rebounds and six assists in her first career starting assignment. Junior point guard Riley McDonald (Dexter, Mich./Dexter) contributed seven points and six rebounds before leaving the game with an ankle injury, and senior Ali Miller (Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas) led the Tigers with seven rebounds.

Written By: Ryan Maurer