Nathan Balch

WOOSTER, Ohio – Behind a career-high 27 points from Nathan Balch, The College of Wooster produced a convincing 103-78 win over Cincinnati Christian University in the Fighting Scots' opener Wednesday night at Timken Gymnasium.

The first-ever meeting between the two programs was close for only about three minutes. With the score 9-8, Wooster (1-0) blitzed Cincinnati Christian (2-6) to the tune of a 21-1 run for a 30-9 lead, still with 11:00 remaining in the opening half. The key stretch included 3-pointers by Matt Fegan, Josh Claytor, and Ian Franks, as well as three lay-ups from Bryan Wickliffe as the Scots were able to break through the Golden Eagles' full-court defense.

Wooster extended its lead to as much as 26 points – 43-17 and 46-20 – before going into the halftime break up 60-36.

The margin stayed between 17-to-27 points throughout the second half, as the Scots coasted to the victory.

Statistically, Wooster shot above 50 percent (.514; 38-for-74) from the field, which included 14-for-30 on 3-pointers (.467), and limited Cincinnati Christian to under 40 percent (.388; 26-for-67). The Scots also dominated the glass, outrebounding their visitors 50-33. The only concern for Wooster may have been its uncharacteristic free throw shooting, finishing at 56.5 percent (13-for-23).

Twenty of Balch's 27 came during the first half, as the senior guard looked close to mid-season form. He made 10-of-16 field goals, including 3-of-6 3-pointers, and all four free throws, while adding six boards and three assists without a turnover.

Fegan, making his third career start, drilled 5-of-8 3-pointers en route to a 19-point night, which equaled his previous best scoring output. Wickliffe made all seven of his field goal attempts for 14 points, to go with a team-high eight rebounds, and Ian Franks scored 12 points. Franks and Justin Hallowell each were credited with six assists on the night.

For the Eagles, Corey Evans had 25 points.

The Scots return to action Saturday night when they host Bethany (W. Va.) College (1-0) in an important NCAA Div. III regional match-up as part of the 17th annual Al Van Wie/Rotary Classic.