MUSKINGUM, Ohio (Nov. 14) – A three-pointer by senior guard BJ Durham forced overtime, but the Waynesburg University men's basketball team lost its 2015-16 opener to Muskingum, 90-83.
 
After a pair of free throws gave the home-standing Muskies (1-0) a three-point lead with five seconds remaining in regulation, Durham sank a trey with two seconds on the clock to knot the score at 76 and send the game to the extra period.
 
In overtime, Waynesburg (0-1) surged ahead, 79-78, on another three by Durham. However, Muskingum converted a pair of free throws on its next possession, giving the Muskies a lead they would not relinquish.
 
Senior wing D.J. Ritchie led Waynesburg with 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting in just 22 minutes of action. Durham finished with 24 points, including two makes from beyond the arc. Senior forward Nate Labishak ended the night with 10 points, giving the Yellow Jackets a trio in double figures.
 
Muskingum shot 45 percent from the field, including 31 percent from three-point range.  Meanwhile, Waynesburg shot 44 percent from the field, including a blistering 56 percent in the first half. The Yellow Jackets' efficiency during the opening period led to an 11-point lead at halftime. The advantage swelled to 13 several times early in the second half before Muskingum was able to rally. After the Muskies tied the game at 67-67, the final 2:55 of regulation featured three lead changes and three ties, including Durham's heave to force overtime.
 
The Yellow Jackets will return to action on Friday, November 20, at the Great Lakes Classic in Delaware, Ohio. Waynesburg will face Calvin in a game scheduled for 5:30 p.m.