Teams that win close games usually find that success at the free throw line proves to be the difference.

Tiffin University (7-2, 4-2 GLIAC) proved that axiom at Wayne State, defeating the Warriors 70-66 despite being outshot and outrebounded thanks to strong showing from the charity stripe.

The Dragons canned 21 of 26 free throws (81 percent). They also held a 21-13 scoring advantage from the line over Wayne State.

The Dragons also held an edge in their three-point attack, shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc in hitting 9 of 21 shots. The Dragons defense was also in superb shape, as they forced 23 Warriors' turnovers.


TU and Wayne State battled all day with neither team amassing a large lead on the other. TU put together a 7-2 run over the final 5:00 of the first half to take a 27-22 halftime lead.

TU also opened strong in the second half, putting another 8-3 run up to take their largest lead at 10 points. But, similar to their game at Findlay on Dec. 15, the Warriors continued to make runs throughout the half, keeping the pressure on the Dragons and forcing them to make their free throws to win the game.

TU responded, drilling 10 of their 12 free throws in the final 2:17 of the game to put the game away.

A total team effort offensively also benefited the Dragons. Karli Mast had 13 points, followed by Mandy Jaeb with 12 points and 6 assists and Melissa Gilliland with 12 points. Stephanie Kelly also reached double figures with 10, while Jennifer Johnston had 8 points. Jessica Harris had 7 points and tied Holly Focke and Amanda Baute with 7 rebounds apiece.

TU now returns home on Dec. 19 to take on Northern Kentucky at 5:30 pm.