PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Jan. 24) – The Waynesburg University men's basketball team traveled to Chatham on Monday night for a Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) game with the Cougars. The two teams locked horns in a tightly contested matchup throughout most of the evening, but a surge late in the second half allowed Chatham to pull away for an 80-63 win.
 
Waynesburg (10-6, 6-3) trailed for the first 17:33 before graduate student forward Nijon Kirkman (Cleveland, Ohio / John Hay) knocked down a three pointer to put the Jackets up 24-22. Unfortunately, Chatham answered with the final seven points of the period to a take a 29-24 lead into the break.
 
The Cougars led for the entirety of the second half, but Waynesburg trailed by just seven (65-58) with five minutes showing on the game clock. Chatham was able to put the game out of reach by outscoring the Jackets 15-5 over the remainder of the contest.
 
Though it came in a losing effort, Kirkman tallied a game-high 23 points on nine-of-19 shooting from the floor. He also showed off his range with team-best four-of-eight effort from three-point range. Kirkman just missed out a double-double with nine rebounds and tied for the team-lead with three assists.
 
Sophomore Jansen Knotts (Ridgeley, W.Va. / Frankfort) continued his strong play as of late by going for 16 points, four boards and three assists. Senior guard Matt Popeck (Washington, Pa. / Washington) chipped in 10 points in the setback.
 
Waynesburg is back in action on Wednesday, Jan. 26, when it hosts Saint Vincent for a PAC contest. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.