The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg men's basketball team saw its historic season come to a dramatic close Saturday afternoon, falling 76–73 to New Jersey City University at the John J. Moore Athletics & Fitness Center. The Bobcats battled until the final seconds, finishing the year with a 22–6 record, the most wins in program history.
Pitt-Greensburg opened the game trading early runs with the Gothic Knights before finding its rhythm midway through the first half. After trailing by as many as eight early, the Bobcats began to chip away thanks to strong defensive pressure and transition opportunities.
A fast-break three-pointer from
Jackson Byer cut the deficit to three with just over seven minutes remaining in the half. Moments later,
Tylan McCune-Daniels converted a pair of free throws and followed with a fast-break layup off a steal by
Matthew Marinchak, giving Pitt-Greensburg its first lead at 19–18 with 6:34 remaining.
The Bobcats continued to build momentum as Marinchak knocked down a three-pointer to extend the lead, and
Arkel Batts finished a fast-break layup to push the advantage to six. Another Marinchak three in the closing minute helped Pitt-Greensburg carry a 32–26 lead into halftime.
The second half featured constant back-and-forth action as both teams exchanged baskets and the lead changed hands multiple times. Pitt-Greensburg stretched its lead to seven early in the half following a Marinchak three-pointer and a fast-break layup by
Trent Rozich, but New Jersey City responded with a strong offensive surge to tighten the game.
With the score tied at 62 midway through the half, the teams traded key baskets down the stretch. Rozich drained a three-pointer with 5:46 remaining to give the Bobcats a 67–65 advantage, but NJCU answered with timely scoring to reclaim the lead.
After falling behind by five with just over four minutes to play, Pitt-Greensburg mounted one final push. Batts converted a fast-break layup to cut the deficit to three, and
Ty Keffer knocked down two free throws with 1:48 remaining to pull the Bobcats within one.
The dramatic finish continued in the final minute. Byer drove to the basket and scored with 59 seconds left, giving Pitt-Greensburg a 73–72 lead. However, NJCU answered on the next possession with a go-ahead jumper by Arterio Williams with 42 seconds remaining. The Bobcats had a chance to respond but were unable to convert, and the Gothic Knights sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final seconds.
Marinchak led Pitt-Greensburg with 22 points, knocking down six three-pointers. Byer added 17 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, while Rozich contributed eight points and five rebounds.
Although the season ended just short of victory, the Bobcats close the year with a historic mark. Pitt-Greensburg's 22 wins set a new program record, highlighting one of the most successful campaigns in school history and capping a memorable run for the Bobcats program.