Box Score
WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Feb. 12) – After 26 minutes of action, the Waynesburg University women's basketball team led the number-17 team in the country and looked primed for one of its biggest upsets in recent history. Unfortunately, Saint Vincent reminded the hosts of Saturday's Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) matchup how they got to that lofty ranking.
The Bearcats (21-2, 13-1) took their first lead of the second half with 13:56 showing on the clock and never relinquished it as they downed the Yellow Jackets (16-7, 9-6) by the final score of 64-57 at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse. Saturday's matchup was the second time the Jackets faced a nationally ranked opponent in as many games.
After the Cats took an early 5-2 advantage, Waynesburg rebounded with a 6-0 run to take an 8-5 lead. Saint Vincent responded with an 11-2 surge that gave them the lead back at 16-10 after seven minutes of play. However, the Jackets fired back by out-scoring their opponents 12-5 over a five-minute span to regain the edge (22-21).
Waynesburg was able to hold on to the lead down the stretch of the first period and went into the locker room with a 30-27 advantage. The Jackets came out hot to open the second half of play by out-scoring their opponents 6-1 to open up the largest lead either team enjoyed during the game at 36-28. The home team kept ahead of their opponents until there was 13:56 showing on the game clock and Saint Vincent was in the middle of a 14-2 run that gave them the lead at 42-38 with 12:20 left to play.
The Jackets forced several ties, including a 57-57 score with 1:26 left to play, but couldn't get back into the lead as the Bearcats were able to seal the victory by scoring the game's final seven points, five of which came from the free throw line.
Though she has had a season of fantastic performances, Waynesburg senior forward Elisha Jones out-did herself against Saint Vincent. She went for a game-high 22 points on nine-of-13 shooting and tied for the game lead with 12 rebounds. It was the sixth double-double of the year for Jones, who also swatted a team season-high six blocks on the day. Sophomore guard Brittany Spencer added 13 points and seven rebounds for the Jackets.
Waynesburg is back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 16, when the Yellow Jackets face Washington & Jefferson for senior night. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
