Tiffin University opened and finished strong, using a strong second half to outpace the visiting Carlow University Celtics 77-59 at the Gillmor Student Center.

The Dragons came out of the gate hot, shooting 66 percent in the opening quarter including a 13-0 run to open the game. They finished the period with a 24-14 advantage and looked to be in total control.

But Carlow didin't back down, using a strong post performance from Emma Stille to outscore TU 16-11 in the second quarter and narrow the gap to 35-30, Tiffin at halftime.

The first four minutes of the second half continued to see the Celtics hold the momentum. They outscored TU 6-0 to start the quarter and took a 36-35 lead.

The Dragons regrouped, using their deeper bench to put together a strong 18-8 run to finish the quarter and take a commanding 53-44 lead into the final period.

The third quarter run turned into a fourth quarter stampede over the first 8 minutes of the quarter, as TU obliterated Carlow with a massive 22-5 run over that span to put the game away. TU got numerous transition buckets off turnovers, leading to a 14-4 paint advantage and a 7-2 edge in points off turnovers in the final frame. TU shot 76 percent in the final quarter.

Overall TU shot 52 percent in the game while holding Carlow to 37 percent. They outrebounded Carlow 36-31 and scored 24 points off turnovers. 

TU had four players in double figures. Sarah Cummings had 13 points as did Cynthia Concepcion along with 5 steals, while Madison Jackson had 12 points and 7 rebounds. Ali Schirmer also had 10 points with 5 assists. Kiley May also had 8 points and 6 rebounds.