SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (Jan. 11, 2025) – The 25th-ranked Denison Big Red secured a dramatic 56-54 win over Wittenberg University in a nail-biting conference showdown Saturday afternoon inside Pam Evans Smith Arena.

The victory marked a crucial milestone for the Big Red (13-1, 5-0 NCAC), who avenged last season's losses to the Tigers (5-9, 1-4 NCAC) and remained perfect in NCAC play.

From the opening whistle, the game was tightly contested, with both teams trading leads. Denison carried a 30-25 advantage into halftime, thanks to efficient shooting and strong rebounding efforts. Wittenberg fought back in the second half, taking a two-point lead with just over a minute to play.

With the score tied at 54 in the final moments, Cameron Smith delivered when it mattered most. The senior guard, who finished with 14 points and three rebounds, knocked down a clutch jumper in the paint with just nine seconds left on the clock. Denison's defense then stood tall, forcing a missed last-second shot by Wittenberg to seal the victory.

Ricky Radtke also played a pivotal role for the Big Red, leading the team with 14 points and six rebounds. His steady presence in the paint provided a spark, particularly in the second half. Jack Steinbach contributed 12 points and a team-high five assists, while Trevor Reed grabbed seven boards to go along with his seven points.

The Big Red will return to Granville for their next two NCAC matchups, beginning with DePauw University on Wednesday, Jan. 15, for a 6:00 p.m. tip-off.