PITTSBURGH, Pa. – November 13, 2021 – Senior Malik Potter took over the game for Chatham in the home opener against Carnegie Mellon, holding off the cross-town rivals 70-64. The Cougars are 2-0 to begin the season.
 
The key for the Cougars was jumping out early. They did just that and never relinquished the lead to the visiting Tartans. Chatham spent the majority of the first half leading by double digits, including by as many as 16 points late in the first 20 minutes of action. Potter scored 18 of his 29 points in the first half, making 7-12 field goals.
 
The second half proved to not be as easy for the Cougars, who were outscored 35-27 by Carnegie Mellon. The once sizable lead evaporated to just three late in the second half, but timely free throws helped put the game to bed for Chatham.
 
The Cougars connected on 10 triple tries, seven of them by the senior Potter. The Cougars also won the free-throw battle despite only taking a dozen shots. Potter's 29 was a game-high, while senior Ben Pollock gobbled up 12 rebounds and swiped two blocks. First-year Blaine Gartley was also crucical for the Cougars, scoring nine points and stealing two passes with six assists.
 
Chatham looks to keep the hot streak going on Wednesday, November 17 with a home match against Pitt-Greensburg beginning at 7:00.