GREENVILLE, Pa.. (Jan. 12) – The Waynesburg University men's basketball team spent its Saturday at Thiel College for a Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) matchup with the Tomcats. Despite big afternoons from junior wing Brennan Smith (New Cumberland, W.Va. \ Oak Glen) and sophomore guard Matt Popeck (Washington, Pa. \ Washington), the Jackets fell 80-74.
The first half was composed of 20 competitive minutes that featured seven ties and 10 lead changes. A Smith layup knotted the score at 33-33 with 1:12 remaining in the period, but the Tomcats managed to reacquire the advantage 24 seconds later and went into the locker room with a 35-33 halftime edge.
Period number two opened with four-straight Waynesburg points, including an old fashioned three-point play from Popeck, that gave the visitors a two-point advantage. After the Tomcats tied the game back up at 37-37, the Jackets moved ahead 40-37 on a trey from Smith.
Unfortunately, Thiel gained control of the contest following that basket thanks to a 16-1 run that lasted until the 6:56 mark of the second half. That surge made the score 53-41 in favor of the home squad.
To Waynesburg's credit, it never gave up in its pursuit of victory. Several Jacket runs pulled the Orange and Black to within a single basket of tying the score or taking the lead. A pair of Popeck free throws with 21 seconds showing on the clock made the score 77-74. However, a costly Jacket turnover and several Thiel conversions at the free throw line sealed the Jackets' fate on the day.
Waynesburg, which came into the game leading the PAC in foul shooting, connected on just eight-of-16 of its attempts. The Jackets came into the day shooting around 77 percent. The visiting team also committed 21 turnovers, while the Tomcats coughed it up on just 12 occasions.
"In this league, every game is up for grabs. We have to be more urgent on some of the details," said Waynesburg head coach Mark Christner. "This was an uncharacteristic day for us at the free throw line and 21 turnovers on the road are tough to overcome."
Smith went off for a game-high 28 points in the loss. He was the picture of efficiency, knocking down 12-of-16 field goal attempts and three-of-five three-point tries.
Popeck added 22 points on seven-of-12 shooting from the floor and two-of-three from long range. The sophomore standout chipped in five rebounds and four assists for a solid all-around effort.
Senior wing Jake Dougherty (New Bethlehem, Pa. \ Redbank Valley) added 10 points off the bench.
Waynesburg is back in action on Wednesday, when it hosts Bethany at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
