NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. (Jan. 7) – The Waynesburg University men's basketball team hit the road on Saturday for a Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) game at Westminster. The Yellow Jacket defense kept the Titans in check, but the visiting team came up just short of victory in a 58-52 loss.
 
After falling behind 9-8 following 4:21 of action, Waynesburg (4-9, 2-4) built a seven-point edge thanks to an 8-0 run that featured baskets from three different Jackets. Sophomore wing Brennan Smith scored twice during the surge. The visiting team stayed in the lead until the 11:43 mark of the first half when a three-pointer by Westminster (9-4, 5-1) gave it a 22-21 edge.
 
The Titans never trailed over the remainder of the opening period and took a 35-32 edge into the locker room at halftime. Waynesburg out-rebounded Westminster 20-16 in the first half.
 
After the home team scored on the opening possession of the second, the Jackets rallied to grab a 41-39 lead, thanks to a 9-2 run over the first 5:43 of the half. Sophomore Clay Carper put the visitors back ahead with a pair of free throws.
 
Unfortunately, the Titans fired back with an 8-0 surge of their own that put the Jackets in a 47-41 hole with 12:26 left to play in the game. The Jackets were never able to regain the lead for the remainder of the contest.
 
A balanced Waynesburg offense didn't' product a double-digit scorer, but six players scored at least five each. Senior point guard Timmy Kaiser not only led his team in scoring with nine points, but his four assists tied for the game lead. Sophomore Jon Knab and Smith each chipped in eight points. Knab also contributed a squad-best eight rebounds.
 
Waynesburg returns to the court on Wednesday, Jan. 11, with a road trip to Thomas More. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.