SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – January 22, 2022 – Hiram men's basketball dropped a North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) matchup at Wittenberg Saturday afternoon falling, 84-54.

Both teams started off the contest trading baskets with neither pulling ahead early. After back-to-back shots made from Josh Tolliver and Brice Hill, the Tigers took an 11-7 lead with 14 minutes left in the first half.

A bit of a scoring drought ensued through the middle portions of the first half, but the home team started pulling away shortly after that. Another Tolliver layup saw Wittenberg hold a 20-11 lead as a little over eight minutes remaining in the half.

Wittenberg closed out the first half improving their lead down the stretch. Tre Johnson made a free throw as the Tigers posted a 31-16 lead. Ivan Yang closed out the scoring to end the half for the Terriers, making two free throws, as the home team went into the locker room up 38-20 at the half.

After five straight points from Brodgie Gordon, Hiram looked to chip away at the Tigers lead now down 43-29 with 16:45 left in the second half.

The Tigers lead would continue to hold strong, however, a Chance Wells jump shot kept the Wittenberg lead at 15 with 12:39 left in the game.

Down the stretch of the second half, Wittenberg's lead continued to grow in the closing minutes of the matchup. Isiah Taborn, Michael Ewart and Joe Ayo closed out the scoring for the Terriers, as Wittenberg won 84-54.

Gordon led the team in the scoring department with 11 points to go along with three assists and two rebounds. Oliver Clingain, Spencer Willman, Kevin Beans Jr. and Yang each collected seven points on the afternoon. Yang also led the team with five rebounds as Willman and Ewart each had four.

"Sometimes basketball is a make/miss game," said Head Coach Taylor Roth. "We got good shots early, but couldn't make them. I'm disappointed with the loss, but pleased with the progress we're making."

As a team, Hiram shot 33.3% from the field and 75% from the free throw line.

With the loss, Hiram falls to 5-10 on the year and 2-7 in NCAC play.

Conference play rolls on as the Terriers meet the Allegheny Gators in their next game on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. inside Price Gymnasium.