The Fighting Scots have now won three NCAC championships since Witucky joined the program in 2002-03, including two in a row, while compiling a record of 106-11 the last four seasons. This year, they’re 23-1 overall, a perfect 15-0 in conference play, and hold the No. 1 ranking in NCAA Div. III (D3hoops.com) heading into Saturday’s regular season finale.
Entering Tuesday, Witucky, who has started every game of his career, needed four points to reach the milestone and it didn’t take long for him to get it. He got a lay-up off an offensive rebound on Wooster’s second possession and then hit one of his customary 3-pointers from the right wing on the fifth offensive series, becoming the 29th player in team history to score 1000 points (1004). Later on, Witucky made his 200th career 3-pointer, joining Matt Smith (222; 1999-2003) as the only two Scots to do so.
Witucky’s first 3-pointer came at 6-6, the only time the contest was tied all night. Moments later, Wooster exploded for a 16-3 run, turning a 17-11 game into a 19-point margin (33-14). The Scots exhibited their typical balanced offense during that stretch with six different players scoring field goals.
By the time halftime rolled around, it was a 55-33 Wooster lead.
During the second half, the margin never dipped below 20 and got to as high as 39 (88-49).
After combining for 12 points in two games last week, the Scots’ leading scorer, James Cooper, got back on track with 21 points, including 3-of-4 3-pointers, to lead all scorers.
Wooster’s post players had a big night, as Evan Will sparked the team with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds in just 15 minutes and Tim Vandervaart had 13 points and nine boards. The duo helped the Scots to a 46-34 advantage on the glass.
Two others reached double figures in the win, as Tom Port and Brandon Johnson contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. Each of them tied for game-high honors in assists with five.
Chris Willoughby came off the bench to lead the Lords with 11 points, including 3-of-6 3-pointers.
Wooster will be at third-place Ohio Wesleyan University (15-8, 10-4 NCAC) this Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. to close out the regular season.