The venue changed but the story remained the same for the Wabash basketball team Saturday afternoon.
For the second consecutive game the Little Giants struggled on offense and for the fourth straight year Wabash lost its opening North Coast Athletic Conference season opener. Denison rode a 15-0 start in the first half to a 78-71 victory over Wabash in Granville, Ohio Saturday afternoon.
The Little Giants were held scoreless for 7:37 before Derek Bailey nailed a jumper to put Wabash on the scoreboard. The Big Red eventually stretched its first half lead to 19 before settling for a 39-25 halftime edge.
Wabash had dropped conference openers at Oberlin in 2006 and at Kenyon in both 2007 and 2008 before trying to end that streak against a Big Red team that entered the day with an 0-5 record. Big Red senior Chris Luther torched the Little Giant defense for a career-high 32 points to help Denison hold the lead for the entire contest.
The Little Giants drew to within six points with a minute left on a basket by Wes Smith, but could not get within a possession down the stetch.
Turnovers plagued the Little Giants throughout the game. Wabash hit ten baskets while committing 12 turnovers in the opening period. The Little Giants finished with 19 turnovers in the game.
Wes Smith led Wabash with 20 points. Chase Haltom added 17 and Ben Burkett finished with 12 points after going scoreless in the first half.
Wabash (2-4, 0-1 NCAC) plays Rose-Hulman at home Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. The game will be the first of the season for the Little Giants at Chadwick Court and can be seen live on Teamline.