Tigers Roll Past Allegheny To Remain Atop NCAC

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers led from wire to wire, thanks in large part to a dominating performance by senior post Scott Masin (New Carlisle, Ohio/Bethel), who poured in a career-high 28 points in an 86-58 victory over visiting Allegheny.

The win moved the 16th-ranked Tigers to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). It was Wittenberg's seventh straight win in the series against Allegheny, and the Tigers improved to 48-12 all-time against the Gators, who fell to 2-5 overall and 0-2 in the league.

After the two teams traded baskets in the opening minutes, Wittenberg went on a 7-0 run to open up a lead it would not relinquish. By halftime, the advantage had swelled to 43-27 in favor of the Tigers, who led by at least 16 points throughout the second half as well.

Both teams shot well in the game, with Wittenberg finishing above 50 percent for the fourth time in seven games in the 2013-14 season. The Tigers hit 52.3 percent from the field, compared to 46 percent for the Gators, who attempted 15 fewer shots thanks to a decisive 42-21 rebounding margin in favor of the host team.

Masin was tremendous for the Tigers, as he hit 11-of-17 shots from the field and 6-of-8 from the free throw line. He also led both teams with nine rebounds, including five caroms at the offensive end.

Senior guard Zack Leahy (Rossford, Ohio/Rossford) added 13 points after turning in his best shooting performance of the season, going 5-of-7 from the field, 1-of-2 from three-point range and 2-of-3 from the free throw line. Senior guard Steven Newell (Dayton, Ohio/Northmont) added 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting from long range, and freshman forward Shane Edwards (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) contributed 10 points in 15 effective minutes off the bench.

Wittenberg now has a week off before traveling to Denison for another important early-season NCAC contest at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.