WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Nov. 19) – The Waynesburg University men's basketball team hosted Fredonia State for its home opener on Tuesday evening. The Yellow Jackets got off to a strong start against the Blue Devils, but couldn't make it last, as the road team picked up a 77-64 win at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse.
 
Waynesburg (0-3) showcased solid balance on offense, as four of its players scored at least 10 points each on the evening. Senior Brennan Smith (New Cumberland, W. Va. / Oak Glen) led the quartet with a team-high 18 points on six-of-11 shooting. A dozen of those points came from an efficient four-of-six performance from three-point range.
 
Sophomore Isaiah Alonzo (Chandler, Ariz. / Tri-City Christian Academy) chipped in 13 points and a team-high six rebounds, while senior guard Frank Bozicevic (Monroeville, Pa. / Gateway) added 11 points and a team-best four assists. Senior guard Sam Heeter (New Bethlehem, Pa. / Redbank Valley) completed the foursome with 10 points.
 
Fredonia's (3-1) proficiency from behind the three-point line played a big role in its most recent win. The Devils connected on an impressive 12-of-22 tries from long range, while holding Waynesburg to eight makes in 20 attempts.
 
The Jackets, on the other hand, were nearly perfect from the foul line. Waynesburg made 18-of-20 free throws (90%).
 
Both squads did an admirable job of protecting the basketball. Waynesburg committed just 12 turnovers, while Fredonia coughed up the basketball on 10 occasions.
 
After an early three pointer gave the visitors a 3-2 edge, Waynesburg built up leads as large as 11 points (20-9) in the first half. However, Fredonia went into the halftime break with momentum seemingly on its side as it scored eight of the final 10 points of the opening 20 minutes to tie the score at 26-26.
 
Alonzo gave the Jackets the first lead of the second half with a layup. Unfortunately, that turned out to be the home team's last lead of the night. The Blue Devils countered the field goal with a 20-3 run that gave them a 48-33 lead nine minutes into the half.
 
Waynesburg trimmed its deficit down to eight points on several occasions in period number two, but came no closer to completing the comeback.
 
The Jackets return to the road on Saturday, Nov. 23, when they head to Kenyon. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.