Wilson, who leads the team with 17.3 points/game, had 13 points and three steals in the first half against TMC. The junior made 11-of-13 attempts from the free-throw line, as he recorded his second 30-point game of the season. The West Virginia native, who also ranks first on the team in three-point filed percentage, hit a trio of three-pointers in the first half.
With Wilson stretching the defense from long range, Linden sliced through the defense and hit four of his six shots in the first half for 11 of his 20 points
The Yellow Jacket built a 14-point halftime lead, 42-28, after Wilson hit a three-pointer in the final minute. Waynesburg finished the final 5:33 of the half on a 14-5 run, including eight points from Wilson.
Waynesburg forced 26 turnovers in the game, which were converted into 38 points, and held TMC to 36 percent shooting in the first half.
Reserve Mason O'Hara led the Saints (1-16, 1-4) with 22 points, while 6-9 junior E.J. Haynes registered a double-double with 18 points and a game-high 18 rebounds (seven offensive, 11 defensive).
Thomas More opened the second half on a 13-6 run to close the deficit to seven points, 42-28, before WC increased it to 15 points with five quick points from Wilson and a three-pointer from Jered Gamble, who finished with eight points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Saints continued their attempt to erase the deficit over the final 10-plus minutes of the game, twice cutting the lead to seven points before the Yellow Jackets expanded it double digits. An O'Hara three-pointer with 1:36 left, cut the lead to 81-74, but TMC would get no closer as Waynesburg converted all nine of its free throws during the final 90 seconds.
Despite a distinct height advantage, Thomas More held a slim 13-11 edge in offensive rebounds, but collected 46 in the game. Leading WC on the glass was senior Ryan Bujnowski, who collected 11 rebounds.
Waynesburg, who already has surpassed last season's win total, is riding its longest win streak since it won seven straight (four in conference) during the 2002-03 season.
The Yellow Jackets return to the courts next Wednesday, Jan. 25, when they host Westminster for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off at the Marisa Fieldhouse, where Waynesburg is 6-0 this season. The contest will be the 140th meeting between the two former NAIA schools with the Titans holding an 87-52 advantage.
Newspaper Box Score Thomas More College vs Waynesburg College 1-18-06 7:30 p.m. at Waynesburg, Pa. (Marisa Fieldhouse) At Waynesburg, Pa. (Marisa Fieldhouse) WAYNESBURG COLLEGE 92, THOMAS MORE COLLEGE 74 THOMAS MORE COLLEGE (1-16 (1-4 PAC)) Mason O'Hara 7-12 4-4 22; E.J. Haynes 8-11 2-4 18; R.K. Thurman 4-6 3-4 11; Brandon Bolden 2-7 1-2 7; Garry Horton 2-10 2-4 6; Jeremy Abell 2-3 0-0 6; Matt Tierney 1-2 0-0 2; Ed Thornton 1-5 0-0 2; Mark Lucas 0-2 0-2 0; Brad Cutter 0-0 0-0 0; Brett Durham 0-0 0-0 0; Michael Selm 0-4 0-0 0. Totals 27-62 12-20 74. WAYNESBURG COLLEGE (10-6 (3-2 PAC)) Beau Wilson 8-20 11-13 31; Jeff Linden 7-10 5-7 20; Jered Gamble 2-3 2-2 8; Josh Parisi 3-5 1-2 7; Marc Lodovico 2-6 2-2 6; Ryan Bujnowski 3-9 0-2 6; Tim Drakeley 2-4 1-1 6; Jeff Nero 2-9 0-2 4; George Wasik 1-2 2-2 4; Colby Grubich 0-0 0-0 0; Jason Clark 0-0 0-0 0; Dan Happe 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 30-68 24-33 92. Thomas More College........... 28 46 - 74 Waynesburg College............ 42 50 - 92 3-point goals-Thomas More College 8-22 (Mason O'Hara 4-8; Brandon Bolden 2-7; Jeremy Abell 2-3; Ed Thornton 0-1; Michael Selm 0-3), Waynesburg College 8-24 (Beau Wilson 4-9; Jered Gamble 2-3; Tim Drakeley 1-3; Jeff Linden 1-3; Jeff Nero 0-2; Ryan Bujnowski 0-1; Marc Lodovico 0-3). Fouled out--Thomas More College-None, Waynesburg College-None. Rebounds-Thomas More College 46 (E.J. Haynes 18), Waynesburg College 39 (Ryan Bujnowski 11). Assists-Thomas More College 14 (Garry Horton 5), Waynesburg College 17 (Jeff Nero 5). Total fouls-Thomas More College 21, Waynesburg College 16. A-250 Waynesburg wins fourth-straight game for first time since 2002-03 season. Wilson (WAY) scores 30-plus points for the second time this season. Linden (WAY) sets career high with 20 points.