Wittenberg’s Women’s Basketball Claims Road Win Over Adrian, 69-62

ADRIAN, MI – Wittenberg Women's Basketball held off a tough Adrian team to tally a 69-62 victory on Tuesday, Nov. 25, in a non-conference contest at the Bulldogs' Merillat Sport and Fitness Center.

It was the third victory in as many all-time meetings for Wittenberg against the Bulldogs, and it moved the Tigers back above .500 at 3-2 on the young season. Adrian dropped to 3-3. In previous meetings, the Tigers defeated Adrian 86-79 in 1990 and 68-50 in 1996.

Both teams opened the game with strong offensive execution, trading baskets throughout the first half. And while things were close, Wittenberg led 11-9 after the first quarter and would never look back, pushing ahead 30-26 at the intermission. The Tigers enjoyed their largest lead of 15 at 52-37 early in the third quarter.

However, the lead did not last long as Wittenberg went cold, having trouble scoring in the early minutes of the final frame, allowing the Bulldogs to close the gap at 52-50 with 6:17 remaining. It was back-and-forth for the next few minutes until Witt went on an 8-2 run to go up 60-52 with 2:36 remaining. Timely free throws and key defense down the stretch helped the Tigers hang on for the win in the final minutes to stay ahead and tally the win.

Three players scored in double figures for Wittenberg, with Madi Barnett (Cincinnati, OH / Kings) leading the way with 17 points. Catherine Buddenberg (Elsmere, KY / Dixie Heights) added 15 points, and Molly Mossing (Cedarville, OH / Cedarville) added 10. Mossing and Karley Moore (Tipp City, OH / Bethel) led the team in rebounding, as each pulled down five on the night. 

Four players led the team in assists with three each in Moore, Cadence Boyd (Cincinnati, OH / Monroe), Hope Orders (Grove City, OH / Bishop Ready), and Lailah Hadley (Indianapolis, IN / Purdue Polytechnic). Mossing and Orders also led in steals with three each.

Wittenberg shot 40.7 percent from the field (22-for-54), while Adrian was 37.5 percent (21-for-56). The Bulldogs outrebounded Wittenberg, 36-23. Witt had 17 points off turnovers, 30 points in the paint, and 19 points off the bench. There were only three ties and three lead changes in the game, and that was early in the game.

Next up, the Tigers will open North Coast Athletic Conference play on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Kenyon. Game time is 7 p.m.

Written By: Cindy Holbrook