Tiffin University exploited the depth of their bench and more exceptional team defense to beat Clarion 79-53, improving the Dragons to 4-0 for their best start in 18 years.

Tiffin jumped on the Golden Eagles early, bursting out to a 21-3 lead after the first 8 minutes and using a stifling defense to force turnovers and expand their lead.

Clarion did not back down, however, as a TU cold spell from the field and some turnovers of their own allowed the Eagles to go on a 19-6 run and pull to within 27-22 with 4:21 left in the half.

Tiffin managed to regroup and go on a 8-3 run that put their lead back to 10 points, eventually heading to the halftime lockerroom with a 39-30 advantage.

Karli Mast totaled 15 of her 22 points in the first half, helping to carry the TU offense during the first 20 minutes.

The Dragons started the second half the same way it did the first half, going on a 14-4 run to push their lead back to 19 points. This time the Dragons avoided any letdown, keeping up the defensive pressure to force 28 turnovers in the game and spreading around the offense, improving their field goal percentage from 47 percent in the first half to 50 percent in the second half.

Defensively, the Dragons shut down Clarion, holding them to 24 percent shooting in the second half. TU also outrebounded Clarion 42-31 in the game.

Mandy Jaeb added 17 points and 6 rebounds, following Mast's 22 as the only two Dragons in double figures. Ten different Dragons scored, however, as TU held a 32-20 edge off the bench. They were especially able to exploit Clarion inside, outscoring them 46-10 in the paint while totaling 37 points off of turnovers.

Amanda Baute had a solid all around game off the bench, totaling 8 points with 7 rebounds and 7 steals in the post. Melissa Gilliland also had 8 points, while four different Dragons had 3 or more assists. TU also had a 16-9 edge on the offensive glass.