GREENVILLE, Pa. – The Westminster College men's basketball team defeated Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) foe Thiel College, 77-63, on the road Monday night.
 
Westminster is now 11-2 overall, their best start since the 1993-94 season. The Titans also improved to 5-1 in PAC play. Thiel dropped to 4-7 (2-4 PAC).
 
Westminster jumped to an early 8-0 lead, courtesy of a made layup from sophomore Blake Payne (Ashtabula, OH / Jefferson Area) at 18:20. The Titans led the whole first half, including as much as 15 points (35-20) with 1:22 to go in the half. Westminster continued to stretch its double-digit lead, leading by 20 (49-29) after a made jump shot from senior forward Jarret Vrabel (Canfield, OH / Canfield). The Tomcats cut the lead to 11 points (69-58) with 2:39 left to go in regulation, but sophomore Lloyd Chatman (Columbus, OH / Reynoldsburg) made a pair of free throws at the 2:27 mark to extend the lead to 13 points (71-58). The Titans held a comfortable double-digit lead the rest of the way.
 
Vrabel led the Titan offense with a game-high 19 points off of 7-10 shooting and a perfect 3-3 from behind the three-point line. Vrabel also recorded 11 rebounds and two blocks, registering his second double-double of the season. Chatman earned a career-high 18 points in 19 minutes of work. Junior Austin Armwood (Columbus, OH / Westerville North) dished out a team-high three assists and added 11 points to his night, while Payne recorded 17 points and eight rebounds.
 
Westminster outshot Thiel 45.6% (26-57) to 40% (24-60). The Titans also edged the Tomcats in rebounding, 39-37.
 
Westminster is back in action Wednesday, January 10 as it plays at Grove City College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.