Early Second-Half Runs Pave Way for Wooster’s 73-56 Triumph at DePauw

Separate runs of 11-0 and 15-2 during the second half paved the way for The College of Wooster's 73-56 win over DePauw University in North Coast Athletic Conference action Saturday afternoon inside Neal Fieldhouse at Greencastle, Ind.

The victory means Wooster (12-5, 8-2 NCAC) completes a regular season sweep of DePauw (6-11, 2-8 NCAC) for the second year in a row, and the Fighting Scots remain one game back of first-place Ohio Wesleyan University in the league standings.

Following a back-and-forth first half that saw the home team take a 35-34 edge into intermission, Wooster constructed a 45-36 lead early in the second. Reece Dupler scored the first basket of the 11-0 run, then Spencer Williams hit back-to-back jumpers, and Mitch Balser capped it with a successful drive and a 3-pointer.

The Tigers responded with the next four points to make it a five-point margin (45-40) before the Scots took complete control with their second substantial run. Alex LaLonde, celebrating his birthday, converted a three-point play and a jump shot on consecutive possessions for the first double-digit lead of the game.

After DePauw answered, Wooster rattled off 10 unanswered points – five from Milt Davis, two by Eric Bulic, and a 3-pointer courtesy of Simon Texidor – to take control at 60-42 near the midway point of the second half.

The Scots stayed ahead by 13-to-19 points the rest of the game.

Both teams made 10 3-pointers, but Wooster was much more efficient overall from the field, outshooting the Tigers 44.1 percent (30-for-68) to 32.8 percent (20-for-61). The Scots also committed half the turnovers (7-to-14).

Offensively, Wooster showcased its depth once again as five players scored at least eight points, led by Williams' 14 and Balser's 10. Williams contributed three assists and three steals as well.

Josh Kipfer brought down 12 rebounds, marking a season high for the senior, and also of note, LaLonde produced a balanced line of eight points, three assists, two blocked shots, and one steal.

Bradley Fey was DePauw's top scorer with 12 points.

This Wednesday, the Scots will welcome No. 7 ranked Ohio Wesleyan (16-1, 9-1 NCAC) to Timken Gymnasium for a key game. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.