In the history of Tiffin University women's basketball, no team has won more games than the 2011-12 Dragons.
TU (19-6, 13-5 GLIAC) cemented their place in the all-time record books in their regular season home finale against Lake Erie (16-9, 10-8), defeating the Storm 62-55 in a game that was not pretty.
But, as time passes, the ugliness of the game will not be remembered. What will be remembered is that this was the win that put the Dragons where no other TU team had gone before - 19 victories.
The 1990-91 TU squad held the previous mark with an 18-9 mark, but this year's team is out to not only shatter that record but add to it. On the horizon is a chance for their 20th victory in their regular season finale at Ohio Dominican on Feb. 25. Then TU will host a first round GLIAC Tournament game in the Gillmor Center on Feb. 29, with a chance to reach the NCAA National Tournament on the line.
For all the memorable moments that have rained down on the Dragons this season, TU's overall play for most of this game was something they would rather forget. It was matched by an equally rough performance by the Storm, as the two teams combined for 37 turnovers.
TU shot just 38 percent in the first half while the Storm hit at a 35 percent clip. Lake Erie held the lead 24-22 at halftime, and if not for the strong post play of Jessica Harris and Jillian Adams, the Dragons could have been in a major hole.
Harris and Adams accounted for 16 of TU's 22 first half points and 12 of their 22 rebounds. TU's other starters accounted for just 2 points in the first 20 minutes.
Lake Erie opened the second half on a 6-2 run that pushed their lead to 7 points. But TU turned up the defense, hanging close while holding the Storm to just 31 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes.
With Lake Erie still leading by 4 points at the 11:00 mark, TU made their move, putting together a 19-7 run over the next 7:30 to take a 55-47 lead with 3:34 to play. The Dragons hit five free throws down the stretch to put the game away.
TU's post play was crucial, as they outrebounded Lake Erie 40-28. Harris finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds along with 3 steals and 3 blocks, while Adams also had 10 points. Amanda Baute came off the bench for 8 points and 12 rebounds with 4 steals.
After being held scoreless in the first half, Mandy Jaeb came to life for 15 second half points along with 5 rebounds and 8 of 10 shooting from the line, while Jennifer Johnston also had 10 points. Karli Mast led the team with 5 assists.
TU also made the most of the 17 turnovers they forced, holding a 20-9 edge on points off turnovers. They also outshot the Storm 47 percent to 31 percent in the second half.
