DePauw fans walked away disappointed from the men's basketball game Wednesday night against Denison University. Shooting only 32 percent from the field in the second half, the Tigers dropped their two point lead from the first half, ultimately falling to Denison, 78-69.
DePauw has allowed over 70 points in the last two games, a statistic the Tigers know they will need to improve upon going forward.
"Complete lack of recognition of what was going on defensively," said head coach Bill Fenlon after the game. "Guys not following the game plan, guys not knowing the game plan or guys not caring enough about the game plan to be where they need to be. It was a really poor defensive effort on our part tonight."
DePauw hit four threes in the first half, three by senior Sean Haseley and one by freshman Connor Rich. Despite the poor bouts of defense, a methodical Tiger offense hit over 57 percent from the field, effectively maintaining a consistent first half advantage.
Then, the rest of the game happened. Right out of the gate, Haseley looked to replicate his hot shooting by attempting two three-point shots to no avail and a variety of Denison shooters started to heat up from the court.
"Part of it's just seeing screens and not getting caught up," Haseley said. "Part of it's paying attention to the scouting report, trying to let us know what's coming instead of winging it out there."
DePauw struggled on high ball screens especially with Denison's three-point specialist Brett Tiberi, who added 14 points on four three-pointers including a fade away three in the right corner to seal a Denison Victory. Denison's Alex Longi also added 12 points.
The Tigers also know they have to balance their attack and open up more situations for post players sophomore Camron Burns, Tommy Fernitz and junior Barry Flynn to be successful going into the final three contests and the NCAC Tournament.
"We were doing some good things offensively when we were throwing Burns and Fernitz the ball and then we just stopped throwing them the ball," Fenlon said. "I think we had plenty of opportunities to do that. It's concentration and recognition. You have to be paying attention."
"Our post players work really hard," Haseley said. "They are pretty successful if they can get good position. It will definitely help out especially against teams like Wittenberg and Wooster."
After losing three out of four games, the Tigers needed a conference win against the Big Red for some valuable conference position.
With the victory Denison advances to 10-12 overall, 7-6 in NCAC play. The Tigers are now tied for fifth with Denison in the conference. The goal for the team right now is to win to earn a home game in the first round of the NCAC.
"We have to win two out of three [games] and probably get some help," Fenlon said. "In this league you need to be able to host that first round game. That's why this was such an important game for us."
DePauw rounds out the year with Oberlin College and College of Wooster on the road and Wittenberg University at home.
For DePauw to get the home court advantage in the eight team NCAC tournament they will have to break a tie in the middle of the conference with Denison and surpass Ohio Wesleyan and Wabash who sit one game above DePauw in the NCAC.
The challenge awaits the Tigers as they return to NCAC play on Saturday at Oberlin at 3 p.m.