Tigers' basketball team dominates in season opener

FRANKLIN - The DePauw men's basketball team opened the 2014-15 season on the road Tuesday night, defeating Franklin College by a final score of 79-60.

With the win, the Tigers moved to 1-0 on the year, while the Grizzlies dropped to 0-2.

After giving up a three to start the contest, DePauw went on a 21-4 run over the opening eight minutes, seizing control of the game. Adam Botts and Bradley Fey notched key three-pointers during the run, while Tommy Fernitz and Connor Rich provided additional buckets inside.

The Tigers would extend their lead to as much as 16 before closing out the half with a 39-26 lead. Fey led all scorers with eight points in the half, while Fernitz and Rich added six points.

In the second half, DePauw stayed aggressive, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entire half. The Tigers shot 45.2 percent from the floor in the half and extended their lead to as much as 22 before sealing the 19-point victory.

Bob Dillon scored 12 of his 14 points in the second period, while Fernitz added nine points and four rebounds.

Fernitz had a game-high with 15 points and tied with Franklin's Matt Niehoff and Jim Mace with eight total rebounds. Fey finished with 10 points, while Michael Onuorah had nine and Luke Lattner, Botts and Rich all scored six points.

Franklin was led by Trae Washington with 13 points and Aaron Mann who added 12 points.

The Tigers shot 43.9 percent from the floor and held Franklin to just a 30.9 shooting percentage. DePauw won the turnover margin, committing just 12 to the Grizzlies' 20, and had 22 points off turnovers.

Franklin won the battle on the glass 42-38, but the Tigers dominated on bench points by a 34-10 mark.

DePauw is back in action Friday, November 21, when they travel to Otterbein University for the Smokey Ballenger Tournament. The Tigers open the tournament against Anderson starting at 6 p.m.