Tiffin University (13-8, 7-7 GLIAC) used a red-hot first half to propel itself to a solid 71-54 victory over Ashland (13-7, 8-5) before a vocal crowd in the Gillmor Center Saturday afternoon.
Tiffin opened the half in similar fashion to its game Monday against Central State, exploding out to a 12-4 lead.
TU scorched the nets at a 56 percent clip in the first half while holding Ashland, playing without leading scorer Jena Stutzman, to just 35 percent from the floor. The Dragons were especially hot from beyond the three point arc, hitting 7 of 10 shots from three.
After taking a 47-28 halftime edge, the Dragons cooled off in the second half, falling to a 28 percent shooting percentage and opening the door for the Eagles. But Tiffin's defense continued to hold the Eagles to 35 percent from the field while forcing 15 turnovers leading to 16 points.
Tiffin also took care of the ball, committing only 9 miscues in the game. The Eagles pulled to within 11 points twice in the second half but could get no closer.
Melissa Gilliland led the Dragons with 16 points off the bench, as the Dragons bench outscored the Eagles 20-7. Gilliland drained four of five trey attempts and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the line.
Karli Mast was next with 14 points, while Mandy Jaeb finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Jessica Harris battled through foul trouble but still finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Holly Focke also had 9 points and 6 assists.
