Senior Andrew Zimmer exploded for 30 points and 13 rebounds in an 80-60 victory by the Little Giant basktball team over Hiram Saturday afternoon at Chadwick Court.
The senior pre-season All-American scored his highest total of the season and the most points since he tallied 35 against Earlham nearly a year ago. He hit 10-of-22 from the field, including three three-pointers, and was a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw stripe. (View photos from the game.)
Aaron Brock grabbed a career-best 14 rebounds in the contest to help Wabash to a 53-35 advantage on the boards.
The Little Giants took a 2-0 lead when freshman Wes Smith grabbed a missed Hiram shot and raced the length of the floor to slam the ball home. Wabash eventually fell behind the Terriers 9-4 before a Gary Simkus basket and a three by Chase Haltom evened the score at 9-9.
Wabash continued its scoring run, outpacing the Terriers 13-1 before eventually move in front by 16. Hiram refused to go away, cutting the Wabash lead to seven with 2:44 left in the first period. Zimmer added his first three-point basket late in the half, firing a 23-foot jumper just ahead of the shot clock horn to put Wabash up 10. Smith added another three before Hiram's Chris Roberts scored a free throw in the final seconds to send both team to the locker room with Wabash in front 42-30.
Neither team started the second half well. Wabash missed its first four shots from the field before Brock canned a free throw at the 18:25 mark. Zimmer added another three to put the Little Giants up 46-30. Wabash's defense continued to frustrate the Terriers while the Little Giants opened up an 8-0 run at the start of the second period to go up 20. Hiram was stuck at 30 points until two Sean Kelly free throws at 13:44 ended the scoreless streak.
The Terriers (3-8, 1-2 NCAC) would get no closer. Wabash eventually took a 26-point lead late in the game to earn its third consecutive victory and second straight North Coast Athletic Conference win.
Smith scored 12 points to add to Zimmer's 30. Mike Staley paced the Hiram effort with 20 points.
Wabash (8-4, 2-1 NCAC) will return to action Saturday afternoon with a 2 p.m. tipoff at Chadwick Court against the 22nd-ranked College of Wooster Fighting Scots.
Photos - (top right) Andrew Zimmer scored 30 points to lead Wabash in scoring.
(bottom left) Aaron Brock snared a career-best 14 rebounds in the Little Giants' victory.