After an exciting  4 game win streak to start 2020, the back end of January hasn’t been as kind to the men’s basketball team, who is looking to get back in the win column at Westminster tomorrow afternoon. 

The shorthanded Yellow Jackets [4-15, 4-6]  who consistently rotate just six men will take on a skilled Westminster Titans [11-8, 6-4] squad. The Titans are standing third in the Presidents’ Athletics Conference after losing to Thiel  Wednesday night, 73-72.

The first time the Jackets and Titans met was at the start of Christmas Break, Dec. 16. Waynesburg, who came into the game winless, hung tough with the Titans, before ultimately falling, 85-74. 

“We competed and defended their action very well,” Fusina said. “We took what we wanted to do defensively and translated that to the 40 minute game.”

Height Match ups

Westminster has two imposing starters in Blake Payne who stands at 6’7,  and Isaac Stamatiades at 6’5”. Stamatiades is putting up impressive numbers averaging 12.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. 9.6 rebounds a game. 

Waynesburg looks to hold its own down low Saturday, with key components Isaiah Alonzo and Brennan Smith.

Last matchup, both Smith and Alonzo combined for 47 points.

“I have been watching film on my previous games and getting extra work with coach so I can be ready,” Alonzo said.

The 6’10 sophomore leading the Jackets in both scoring [13.6 PPG] and rebounding [7 RPG]. 

 

Upperclassmen Experience Plays Key

Waynesburg has had many seniors step up and take charge on the court through the season.

 

“It’s guys that have experience and have developed as the year has gone on,” Fusina said.

The Jackets start three veterans who average no fewer  than 29 minutes a game. A smaller roster means more minutes. Smith, followed by two other seniors, Cam Auld and Frank Bozicevic are leading the Presidents’ Athletic Conference in minutes per game. 

 

Underclassmen to Watch

Starting freshman point guard, Ryan Felberg has been an essential player through the season for Waynesburg. He was recognized twice by the PAC as the Rookie of the Week and averages just under seven points a night.  Fellow freshman Briston Bennett has received important minutes off the bench alongside Zach Ford. 

 

The Jackets and Titans will square off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.