Box Score PITTSBURGH, Pa. – February 3, 2021 – For the first time in 342 days, the Chatham men's basketball team (1-0) took the floor for its 2021 season opener. After a back-and-forth 35 minutes of play, the Cougars took control late and rumbled past Bethany (0-3) 83-70 at the Athletics & Fitness Center on Wednesday night.
 
Chatham did not have a stellar start, with Bethany beginning the game on a 9-0 run in the first 4:44 of play. Most of the first half was marred by three-point misses, with the Cougars going 1-9 from three-point range. However, they finished 3-6 from three to close out the first half, entering the locker room in a 34-34 deadlock.
 
The second half saw six lead changes, but the Bison never led by more than two in the latter 20 minutes of play. Bethany was able to tie the score three times, but Chatham eventually pulled away in the final 3:10 on a 13-2 run which included 5-6 field goals and 3-4 three-point shots. The Cougars outscored the Bison 49-36 in the second half.
 
Chatham had an enormous advantage in the turnover department. The Cougars forced 19 Bethany turnovers, 12 in the first half, while Chatham committed just five. The Cougars also got 23 points off of those turnovers.
 
Five Cougars eclipsed double digits. Senior Malik Potter began his season leading the way with 25 points, just one short of his career high. Potter shot 9-21 from the field, 4-14 from three. Junior Ben Pollock's first game in Chatham purple was a good one, contributing 18 points off of 7-8 shooting and 12 rebounds. Sophomore Brandon Lavernia chipped in 14 points, while sophomore Marcos Cintron and freshman Simon Boyer each had 11 points. Junior Markell Riggins also added three steals in his first game with Chatham.
 
Chatham hits the road this weekend when it travels to Washington, Pa. to take on the Washington & Jefferson Presidents. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 6.