The Waynesburg University Men’s basketball team defeated the Bethany College Bison in overtime on Wednesday night 91-89. 

The men came into the contest on a three-game losing streak, and having the worst offense in the PAC. 

“I think it shows a lot about our character,” junior guard Jalen Goins said. “Everyone on our team has given so much, from the guys who play every minute to the guys who don’t play every second. Each day the guys show up and work.” 

In the first half, both Waynesburg and Bethany were going back and forth with no one leading by more than two points. However with under four minutes to go in the first half, the Yellow Jackets began to pull away and finished with a 38-34 at halftime. 

The Yellow Jackets started out the gates red hot and extended that lead to 13 in the early minutes of the second half. 

“I think what worked for us last night is we had no quit in us,” Goins said. “Whether we were up 10 or down two, we played hard, and things went well where we needed the momentum on our side.” 

Waynesburg held that lead until under a minute to go in the second half, the Bison cut down a 17-point lead tying the game at 81 with 28 seconds left. 

Senior guard PJ Suggs said being able to utilize everyone on offense really helped the team come out of overtime with the win. 

“We’ve had problems with letting the ball stick in one player’s hands all year and I feel like today we really shared it well,” Suggs said. 

Waynesburg started out the overtime period down three early to the Bison, however like in the first half rallied right back and never gave up the lead again. Suggs made the final free throws to clinch the second win over Bethany this season.

Suggs finished the game tied with senior guard Antone Baker with 25 points each. 

Head Coach Tim Fusina commented on the impact Suggs and Baker have had on the team this season. 

“They have been consistent and they have made an impact when we have been successful,” Fusina said. 

Both Suggs and Goins said that this win along with snapping the losing streak give them the confidence and momentum they need when facing the defending PAC Champions on Saturday. 

“What we need to do now is prepare,” Goins said. “Our coaching staff will come up with a game plan and it is our job to execute.” 

Fusina kept it short and sweet about the team’s plan for this weekend’s matchup. 

“Show up. Focus. Listen. Talk,” Fusina said. 

Waynesburg advanced to 7-10 overall and 5-7 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play this season. The Yellow Jackets return to the Rudy Marissa Field House on Saturday Jan. 25 playing host to the Geneva Golden Tornadoes. Tip off is scheduled for 3 p.m.