WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Jan. 2) – The Waynesburg University men's basketball team hosted Washington & Jefferson on Saturday for a Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) matchup. The Yellow Jackets put together a furious late rally to pull away from the visiting Presidents en route to a 70-58 victory.
 
The two rivals battled to a 32-32 halftime tie and the game remained very much in doubt throughout the majority of the second period. Neither squad led by more than four points over the first 18 minutes of action in half number two.
 
Waynesburg (2-9, 2-2) was finally able to take control of the game over the final two minutes of the contest. With the Jackets clinging to a 53-52 edge and 2:24 showing on the game clock, junior Christian Koroly knocked down a pair of free throws to triple his team's advantage at 55-52.
 
Those foul shots began a 9-0 run that put the Jackets up 62-52 with 1:15 left to play and ultimately sealed the Waynesburg victory. Five of those points came courtesy of senior wing D.J. Ritchie in the span of 22 seconds. The final minute-plus of competition was dominated by both teams knocking down free throws.
 
Ritchie's big end to the win fueled a game-high 14-point effort that included seven rebounds and three assists. Senior forward Nate Labishak added 11 points on four-of-seven shooting, while also yanking down seven boards. Koroly paced the home team with nine rebounds.
 
The Jackets are back in action on Wednesday, Jan. 6, when they host Saint Vincent. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.