Box Score

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – The Otterbein University men’s basketball team improved to 4-5 on the season Wednesday evening, defeating Wittenberg (4-4) 78-64 in the Rike Center.

Otterbein held an early 9-4 lead at the 13:21 mark following a layup from junior Chris Davis, but the Tigers responded and pulled even at 14-14 a few minutes later.

Wittenberg took advantage of a few Cardinal big men in foul trouble, and opened a 22-16 lead with eight minutes and change showing on the first half clock.

The Cards fought back and took a 25-24 lead after two free-throws from Davis, but the Tigers went on a 13-6 run to vault back on top at 37-31, and eventually went into halftime ahead 38-33.

Otterbein opened the second half strong as well, widening its margin to 59-44 by the 11:17 mark after a third-consecutive three-pointer from senior Nathan Edick.

The Cards remained in control, and used solid free-throw shooting down the stretch as Wittenberg would get no closer than nine the rest of the way.

Otterbein shot .523 from the field compared to just .393 for the visitors, and benefited from a 10-of-15 effort behind the arc.

Four Cardinals scored in double figures, led by Zach Bakenhaster’s 17 points and ten rebounds.

Davis notched yet another double-double with 14 points and ten caroms, while Edick and freshman Matt McCollister chipped in 12 and ten points, respectively.

Three other Cardinals scored at least seven points.

Cameron Walton led Wittenberg with 19 points off the bench, including five three-pointers. Leading scorer Clayton Black finished with just three points in 20 minutes of action.

The Cardinals have the weekend off for the holiday before taking part in its annual Smokey Ballenger Tournament, opening with Saint Vincent (PA) Tuesday at 8 p.m.