Fernitz notches 3rd straight double-double to lead DePauw to win at Allegheny

DePauw junior Tommy Fernitz attempts a layup during a game earlier this seaon. Fernitz had 17 points and 16 rebounds in Saturday's win. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Tommy Fernitz posted his third straight double-double and led the DePauw men's basketball team to a 61-49 North Coast Athletic Conference win at Allegheny. The Tigers improved to 8-3 overall and 3-1 in the NCAC with their third straight win, while the Gators dropped to 3-7 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

The teams battled through a tight first half before DePauw finished with a 13-2 run to take a 29-21 edge at the intermission. The Tigers didn't allow the Gators a field goal over the final 7:30 of the half and Fernitz closed the frame by scoring eight of the Tigers' final 10 points.

DePauw scored seven straight early in the second half to take a 40-26 lead and eventually stretched the margin to as many as 18 points. Allegheny used a 12-3 run to cut the gap to nine, but DePauw's Michael Wilkison responded with a three and the margin never dipped below 10.

Fernitz led DePauw with 17 points and a career-high 16 rebounds and is averaging 18.0 points and 15.3 rebounds over his last three contests. Luke Lattner matched his collegiate best with 11, while Pat Haggin and Bob Dillon each scored 10. Dillon's total marked a career high.

Ryan Stanko paced Allegheny with 18 points with Josh Valentic adding 13. Stanko and Brandon Smith each grabbed seven rebounds.

DePauw shot 38.6 percent from the floor and hit only 12 of 24 from the free throw line, but only committed four turnovers and held a 42-35 rebounding advantage. Allegheny shot 36.0 percent from the field.