In a total team effort, the Wilmington College men's basketball team ensured there wouldn't be a repeat of last year's second-half implosion against Thomas More.
Wilmington led the Saints by 16 at halftime of last season's game, but let it slip away and fell by 10 points. No such luck for Thomas More Tuesday.
The Fightin' Quakers used a 19-6 run late in the first half and never looked back in routing the visiting Saints, 108-75, in non-conference action at Fred Raizk Arena. It was the first time since a 110-86 victory over Oakland City in the 2008-09 season, Wilmington scored more than 100 points in regulation.
"This group is opposite of the groups the last couple of years," said WC head coach K.C. Hunt. "We had a couple opportunities like this, but tonight we put the game away early."
In a carry over from their last game, the Fightin' Quakers continued their unselfish ways – dishing out 21 assists on 35 made baskets. Junior point guard Dwight Johnson (Dayton, OH/Jefferson) distributed a team-high five assists. He has recorded five assists in each of the first three games. Eight different players had assists in Wilmington's victory.
"Obviously we shared and shot the ball well tonight," said Hunt. "I wasn't pleased with our defensive effort to allow 75 points."
Two separate double-digit runs in the first half had Wilmington living comfortably. The Fightin' Quakers put together a 12-1 run midway through the opening half to gain their first double-figure lead of the game. After TMC cut the lead in half, the aforementioned 19-6 spurt had the Saints on the rope as Wilmington led by 18 at the break.
A lay-up to start the second stanza pulled Thomas More to as close as it would get in the second half. The Saints got their deficit to 16 on three separate occasions.
Wilmington had 14 players score, led by senior Malcolm Heard II (Wilmington, OH/Wilmington), who posted with 15th career double-double with a season-high 24 points and 10 boards. He was 7-of-8 from the field and 9-of-9 from the free throw line. As a team, Wilmington shot 96.9 percent (31-of-32) from the charity stripe.
It's the 53rd time in Heard's career, the first this season, he managed at least 10 points.
Three players registered career-highs for WC. Freshman John Righter (Pataskala, OH/Licking Heights) scored 11 points, all in the first half. Senior Ben McGriff (Beavercreek, OH/Beavercreek) added 10 points and freshman Law Williams (Dayton, OH/Thurgood Marshall) had eight points.
Junior R.J. Leppert (Liberty Township, OH/Lakota East) continued his steady play with 11 points, four assists, two steals and two rebounds. Senior Klarke Ransome (Richwood, OH/North Union) was the fifth Wilmington player to reach double-figures with 12 points.
Wilmington (2-1) travels to the College of Mount St. Joseph 3 p.m. Sunday for the conclusion of the Transylvania game that was suspended on November 17. The Fightin' Quakers lead 34-32 at the half.