MARIETTA, PA – The Redhawks (25-3) late rally fell short as they lost to Wittenberg College (20-8) 74-68 in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament.

La Roche trailed by as many as twenty-two points in the second half and sixteen points with ten minutes left before making a 9-0 run. Nate Wojciechowski sparked the run with a deep three-pointer and David Jackson scored five consecutive points.

Wittenberg answered with a 4-0 run of their own. The teams went back and forth in the final minutes but the Tigers made their foul shots down the stretch to preserve the win. The Tigers made 22 of 29 free throws including 14 of 19 free throws in the second half.

Despite the loss, La Roche outrebounded Wittenberg 40-35 including 18-13 on the offensive boards.

Five Redhawks finished in double figures included Jackson who recorded his third consecutive double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Laron Mann finished 14 points and 5 assists and Wojciechowski had 9 points and 4 rebounds in their last collegiate games.