Box Score
WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Feb. 11) – The Waynesburg University men's basketball team battled valiantly, but suffered a 101-92 overtime loss to Geneva on Wednesday night.
The loss dropped the Yellow Jackets to 6-16 overall, while the Golden Tornadoes improved to 6-16.
Around eight minutes into the contest, Geneva opened up a nine-point advantage (22-13) over the Jackets. However, Waynesburg was able to cut the lead down to two points (24-22) after a 9-2 run that was capped by a three-pointer by junior guard Ryan Courneen.
The Jackets continued to keep it close as the end of the first half approached, trailing by just one (40-39) after a three-pointer by senior guard Dan Happe. However, Geneva's Justin Nardi connected on a lay-up with seven seconds before halftime to bring up the halftime score of 42-39.
Waynesburg took control of the game for most of the second half, opening a lead as large as 12 points (77-65) with 6:38 remaining in the contest. The home team continued to lead by double digits (83-73) with 4:08 still showing on the clock.
However, Geneva responded down the stretch with a 13-3 run to tie the game at 86-86 with 25 seconds to go. Both teams had opportunities to snatch a victory, but couldn't seal the deal, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, the Golden Tornadoes went on a 6-1 run, all on free throws, to jump out to a 92-87 lead through the first 2:50 of overtime. The visitors followed with a 6-2 run to grab a 98-89 lead and all but seal the deal with 51 seconds to go in the first overtime period.
On the night, the Golden Tornadoes out-rebounded the Jackets 47-37 and held a big advantage at the foul line, connecting on 32-of-37 free throws, compared to Waynesburg's 15-of-20 night at the line.
Though they came in a loss, the Jackets got impressive scoring performances from Happe and Courneen, who were the game's top two scorers with 26 and 20 points, respectively. Senior guard Jason Clark added 15 points on the night, and junior guard Jarell Rodriguez# chipped in 11.
Clark added a team-season, game and career-high nine assists on the night. Sophomore guard Erik Noone led the Jackets on the boards as he pulled down eight rebounds.
Geneva was led by junior guard/forward Richard Colick, who recorded a double-double with a team-best 18 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.
Waynesburg returns to action this Saturday when they host Grove City for senior night.
