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WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University men’s basketball team claimed victory in its home opener Tuesday evening, topping Wittenberg University 85-80 in the Rike Center.

Otterbein moves to 3-3 as a result, helping give first-year head coach Todd Adrian his 100th-career coaching victory. Adrian compiled 97 wins over six seasons at Edgewood College (Wis.) before arriving in Westerville.

Junior Max Van Meter turned in career-highs of 26 points and 12 rebounds for Otterbein, which opened strong in front of an energized crowd by outscoring Wittenberg 15-7 over the first five minutes.

The Tigers (4-2) regrouped and battled back, tying the game at 17-17 after a pair of free throws and again at 22-22 with 10:20 showing on the first-half clock.

Wittenberg entered the bonus early as Otterbein committed nine of the game’s first 10 fouls, but the half remained a one-possession battle until a Wittenberg three-pointer put the Tigers ahead, 38-32, with 3:21 remaining before the break.

Otterbein hung close, getting a triple from sophomore Andy Yazrombek in the closing minutes before trailing just 42-40 at the half.

Yazrombek and Van Meter combined for 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting in the opening 20 minutes.

A three-pointer from junior C.J. Julian drew Otterbein even at 51-51 with 12:52 to play, and the Cards later completed an 11-4 scoring spurt to open a 59-55 lead with the clock moving under 10 minutes.

Wittenberg scored the next five points but Otterbein answered with a 10-1 run, seven coming from Matt McCollister, to grab a 69-60 advantage with 6:56 to go.

The Tigers managed to cut the lead down to six, at 74-68, with 2:10 remaining, but the Cards answered with a Zach Bakenhaster layup on the other end and ultimately held on for victory.

Van Meter finished 9 of 12 from the field to lead all scorers, while Yazrombek also turned in career-highs with 15 points and five assists. Bakenhaster recorded 16 points and McCollister dropped 11 in only 14 minutes of action.

Zach Leahy and Sam Collins each scored 20 to lead the Wittenberg attack.

The Tigers managed to make just 22 of 36 free throws while Otterbein was 22 of 29 at the stripe. Both sides struggled from beyond the arc, combining to shoot 13 of 48.

Wittenberg held a 26-11 advantage in points off turnovers, but the Cards posted a 20-9 edge on second-chance points.

Otterbein returns to action Saturday evening, resuming Ohio Athletic Conference action at home against Muskingum University. Starting time is set for 7:30 p.m.