GROVE CITY, Pa. (Dec. 30) – The Waynesburg University men's basketball team traveled to Grove City on Saturday for a Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) showdown. The Yellow Jackets ended 2023 on a high note with a solid 66-58 win.
 
With the victory, Waynesburg (6-6, 3-4) has already surpassed its 2023 win total and has tied its PAC victory count from last year.
 
Both offenses needed some time to find their respective rhythms, as the score was tied at 7-7 following 6:30 of play. Senior Antone Baker (Maple Heights, Ohio / Maple Heights) dropped in a go-ahead layup that marked the beginning of Waynesburg's most recent victory, as the Jackets led for the final 33:30 of action.
 
The Orange and Black led by as many as seven points on multiple occasions in the first half, including a 32-25 edge with 1:07 left in the opening period. A pair of free throws with 30 seconds showing on the clock allowed Grove City (5-6, 2-5) to cut its deficit to 32-27 at the break.
 
The Wolverines pulled to within three points of tying the game and trailed 36-33 with 15:36 remaining in the contest. The Jackets rebuilt their seven-point advantage on multiple occasions, including a 47-40 edge with 8:47 showing on the clock.
 
However, the Jackets were able to take firm control of the afternoon thanks to an 11-1 run that lasted for just over four minutes. Trailing 58-41 at the 35:18 mark, Grove City made a valiant run at a comeback by outscoring the visitors 17-8 over the remainder of the contest. However, it was too little, too late, and the Jackets left town riding high into 2024.
 
Baker led the charge with a game-high 23 points on 11-of-17 shooting from the floor. He came one rebound short of a double-double with a contest-best nine boards, six of which were of the offensive variety.
 
Sophomore Scott Bilovus (Imperial, Pa. / West Allegheny) was outstanding during 13 minutes off the bench. He poured in a personal collegiate-best 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a 3-of-5 effort from 3-point range.
 
Waynesburg shot 48% from the field for the game, while holding the Wolverines to a 20-of-53 performance (38%).
 
The Jackets are back in action on Wednesday, Jan. 3, when they host Franciscan for another PAC contest. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.