WESTERVILLE, Ohio (Nov. 23) – The Waynesburg University men's basketball team traveled to Otterbein on Tuesday for its final game before tipping off Presidents' Athletics Conference (PAC) play. The Yellow Jackets battled back from a formidable early deficit, but came up short 78-57.
 
Waynesburg (2-2) never led on the evening, but showed its mettle by shrinking an 18-point first-half deficit down to 13 (38-25) by halftime. A layup by sophomore Bryson Wilt (Oakland, Md. / Southern Garrett) pulled the Jackets to within 10 points of tying the score 42-32 with 17:40 remaining in the game.
 
Unfortunately, the Cardinals (3-1) outscored Waynesburg over the remainder of the contest 36-25 to close out the victory.
 
Though the effort didn't lead to a win, graduate student Nijon Kirkman (Cleveland, Ohio / John Jay) set games highs in points (20) and rebounds (8). The big man showed his ranged by connecting on three-of-seven attempts from three-point range.
 
Senior guard Matt Popeck (Washington, Pa. / Washington) chipped in 12 points on the night, while junior guard Ryan Felberg (Twinsburg, Ohio / Twinsburg) added 10 points.
 
Waynesburg opens conference action on Saturday, Nov. 27, with a road trip to Saint Vincent. Start time is scheduled for 3 p.m.