For the first time in school history, the Athletic and Fitness Center (AFC) saw both the men’s and women’s basketball teams play a playoff game.  

The women got the night started when they faced visiting Bethany College. The game started off slow as both teams tried to find their footings in the opening round of the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) playoffs.  

Chatham University was led offensively by Maddy Grennes ‘22 who hit timely shots in the paint, while Emily Durkee ‘25 controlled the perimeter with her ball movement and deep shots. 

The first half ended with the Bison holding a two-point lead. 

The night took a turn for the worse for the Cougars as Bethany College took control in the third quarter. An 11-point differential was in part to the Bison’s control of the offensive glass. A 15-4 lead on offensive rebounds gave the Bison several second-chance opportunities. 

The fourth quarter saw the Chatham Cougars try to claw its way back into the game, but timely 3-pointers gave the Bison a road win. 

Women’s basketball finished its season with a 17-9 record. The Cougars have six seniors, including Kelli Jenkins, Juliana Skowron, Brittani Smith, Aliyah Labriola, Sierra McClain and Riley DiAngelo.

For the Bison, Ashleigh Wheeler carried their offense with 19 points and nine rebounds. 

Chatham was led by Grennes, who finished the game with 12 points and five boards. 

Men’s Basketball

The men’s game started out hot, as the Cougars started the game on a 16-4 run over Franciscan University Barons. 

A physical game at both ends of the court was only fueled by the student seconds for both sides. 

The Barons were able to close their large deficit by the end of the first half to 11 as Chatham held a 47-36 lead.  

Malik Potter ‘22 led all scorers with 14 points through the first 20 minutes of play. While Blaine Gartley ‘25 brought a physical presence with six points and two steals. 

The second half saw Franciscan continue to cut at Chatham’s lead until it was only a four-point Cougar advantage. 

The Chatham faithful in the student section gave the Cougars that extra edge they needed to pull away, as the momentum began to shift in their direction. A pajama-themed crowd brought energy in a game that was already full of it.

Simon Boyer ‘24 and Potter took control of the game and with only three minutes left, Chatham’s lead was up by 16. 

Potter also led all scorers in this contest with 27 points and three steals, while Boyer finished the contest with 17 points and went 3-5 from beyond the arc.

Overall, Chatham started this game out quickly by going up 12 to start the contest, but the Barons were able to claw their way back into the contest keeping it close for most of the second half. Ultimately, the Cougars were able to put the game away late to secure the playoff victory.

The game finished in Chatham’s favor by a score of 88-73, as they advanced to the semifinals to play Westminster on Feb. 24 at the AFC.