PITTSBURGH, Pa. – February 22, 2022 – In front of a rowdy home crowd, the Chatham University men's basketball team bounced back and held off Franciscan in the Cougar Den 88-73. Chatham's overall record improves to 20-5, the most wins in program history, and more importantly advances the Cougars to the PAC Semifinals.
 
The Cougars struck while the kettle was hot early in the game, building up a 16-4 lead through the first six minutes. Chatham and Franciscan would then trade baskets at a furious pace, but the Cougars found themselves ahead 47-36 at the halftime break after shooting 51% from the floor.
 
While the lead was comfortable, it became much less so early in the second half. Despite never taking the lead from the Cougars, Franciscan cut the deficit to as little as three before Chatham found form again and leapt back out by double-digits. The Cougars had a lead that swelled to as large as 19 late in the game, cruising to a 15-point quarterfinal win.
 
Chatham shot 48% for the game, including nine treys. It also outrebounded the Barons 42-36 and caused 21 Franciscan turnovers. Senior Malik Potter had the hot hand after scoring 27 points on 12 made field goals, one shy of the program record. Sophomore Simon Boyer was the most efficient from deep range after splashing three triples on five attempts, and junior Marcos Cintron had another 16. Senior Nick Bomar was the only Cougar in double-digit rebounds with 10, while classmate Ben Pollock rejected five Baron shots, tying a career-and-program record.
 
Chatham hosts the PAC Semifinals on Thursday, February 24 at the Athletic and Fitness Center.