Late Run Pushes Allegheny Past Tigers

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers saw their five-game win streak come to a shocking close as Allegheny scored the last five points to steal a 59-58 road victory.

Playing their fourth game in six days and their second game in less than 24 hours, the Tigers shot just 30.1 percent from the field, including a 3-of-14 performance from three-point range. Still, Wittenberg held a 58-54 advantage in the closing seconds before the Gators scored on a lay-up with 1:15 remaining and then dropped a game-winning three-pointer by Marina Scarantino with 22 seconds left.

As they did throughout the game, the Gators played suffocating defense over the final two minutes, forcing Wittenberg to miss their last four shots. The loss dropped the Tigers to 10-4 overall and 2-2 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), while Allegheny improved to 10-3 overall and 3-1 in the league.

Wittenberg's defense was just as effective in the game, limiting the Gators to 36.7 percent shooting from the field and forcing 19 turnovers, compared to the Tigers' 15. Wittenberg also won the rebounding battle 47-42.

Individually, the Tigers were paced by senior Enri Small (Columbus, Ohio/Columbus School for Girls) with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Senior Katelyn Haralamos (Maineville, Ohio/Kings) added 13 points and seven rebounds, senior Darbie Zirkle (St. Paris, Ohio/Graham) finished 13 points and four boards, and freshman Bobbie Clayton (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove) came off the bench to contribute four points and seven rebounds.

Written By: Ryan Maurer