Wittenberg Doubles Up On Oberlin

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - It was never close. The Wittenberg Tigers scored the first nine points of the game and were off to the races, defeating visiting Oberlin College, 100-50, on Saturday in the HPER Center.

Wittenberg shot 56 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free throw line on the way to the huge victory and an 11-2 overall record, including a mark of 3-1 in the North Coast Athletic Conference heading into a crucial three-game stretch against fellow contenders Wabash, Wooster and Ohio Wesleyan. Oberlin, which has lost 58 of 64 all-time meetings with the Tigers, dropped to 1-12 overall and 0-4 in the NCAC.

Five Wittenberg players reached double figures in the game, led by junior post Daniel Russ, who had his way in the paint en route to game-highs of 22 points and eight rebounds. Senior wing Andy Bucheit was hot from three-point range, hitting 5-of-9 to finish with 15 points, junior post Kenny Brady hit for 14 points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench and senior guard Kenny Molz and junior post Dane Borchers each contributed 10 points to the winning effort. Also of note, sophomore guard Brandan Barabino added nine points in eight minutes off the bench and junior guard Phil Steffes was solid with four points, four assists and six boards.

Just five Oberlin players scored in the game, led by Quinton Spencer with 17 and DeWayne Evans with 14. Spencer came into the game leading the NCAC in scoring at more than 21 per outing. The Yeomen were outrebounded 44-21 by the taller Tigers and committed five more turnovers in the game. Wittenberg was credited with a season-high 27 assists, although no player finished with more than four.

The win was Wittenberg's 36th straight against Oberlin, dating back to Feb. 3, 1979, and it was the 28th straight time the Tigers have won over the Yeomen as conference foes.