For the second time in the 2011-12 season, Wittenberg's defense wreaked havoc on Hiram in a lop-sided victory.

The 66-41 Tiger victory gave Wittenberg a 30-0 all-time record against the Terriers. More importantly, the Tigers moved back above the .500 mark for the 2011-12 season with their second straight dominating home North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) win.

Combined with an 85-59 win over Ohio Wesleyan on Tuesday, Wittenberg has improved to 10-9 overall and 6-5 in the NCAC, heading into a suddenly key conference match-up with second-place Allegheny at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The win over Ohio Wesleyan was a product of outstanding offense by the Tigers. It was defense that ruled the day against Hiram — for a second straight time this season the Tigers limited the Terriers to just 41 points, a season-low for Wittenberg.

It wasn't until the start of the second half, however, that Wittenberg took control. Hiram led 11-4 at the 14:10 mark of the first half, but the Tigers answered with a 14-2 run over the next 10 minutes. At halftime, Wittenberg led 24-21.

The second half was all Wittenberg, starting with an 11-3 run coming out of the locker room. The Tigers hit 45 percent of their shots over the final 20 minutes while limiting the Terriers to just 7-of-28.

For the game, Hiram shot 28 percent, but the wayward shooting was just part of the Terriers' problem. Wittenberg outrebounded Hiram 51-30, with the Tigers racking up 19 offensive caroms.

The key offensively was great balance as 11 Tigers scored at least two points in the game, led by freshman Katelyn Haralamos (Maineville, Ohio/Kings) with 15 points, five rebounds and four steals. Senior Lyndsey Clark (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh) was the only other Tiger in double figures with 10 points in 20 efficient minutes.

Also of note was the play of senior Sarah Watson (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson), who finished with eight points, six rebounds and three steals. She now has 970 career points.