In a difficult game characterized by defensive adjustments and balanced contributions throughout the roster, the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets overcame the Carlow Celtics 80–70 in the closing minutes to end their seven-game losing streak. 

Waynesburg converted defense into offense by scoring 26 points off turnovers and adding 16 second-chance points, finishing the game with a 49.2% field goal percentage. 

With 27 points, Jackson Rhodes topped all scorers. He made 10 of 16 shots and four of seven from three-point range. The key to the victory, according to Rhodes, was execution against Carlow’s zone defense. 

“We knew we had to get the ball inside their zone, and when we followed that plan, good things came with it,” Rhodes said. 

Jimmy Giannetta’s 30-point performance kept Carlow within striking distance, but Waynesburg’s depth and fierce defense helped them win the game in the closing minutes.  

Scott Bilovus scored 11 points off the bench to give the Yellow Jackets 19 bench points, while Casey Keesee finished with 11 points and five assists. 

With nine rebounds and eight assists, Jalen Goins played a crucial all-around role and stressed the value of making an influence on the game in ways other than just scoring. 

“We’ve got a lot of guys who can score, so for me it’s about impacting the game however I can. My first two shots didn’t go my way, so defending, rebounding, making the extra pass, and bringing energy is something I can do,” Goins said. “When everyone is willing to do what it takes to win, it makes us harder to beat.” 

Waynesburg made crucial defensive changes that helped switch momentum following a fiercely contested first half. The Yellow Jackets had their biggest lead of the evening with 12 points in the last minute after shooting 53.8% from the field and 50% from three in the second half. 

“That was a big emphasis for us coming in,” Goins said. “We did a poor job at first of pressuring the ball, so an adjustment we had to make was being more active on defense—getting more deflections, speeding teams up.” 

The victory demonstrated the team’s tenacity. 

“It shows that we can grind out to get a win when adversity hits,” Rhodes said. “Everyone played a part in the win, which was great to see.” 

After their Christmas break, Waynesburg will travel to Pittsburgh on Jan. 7 to play with the Chatham Cougars, hoping to build on their performance.