BETHANY, W.Va. -- The Washington & Jefferson men's basketball team held a plus-17 advantage in made free throws against Bethany, powering it to a 72-61 road win on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 11, in Presidents' Athletic Conference play.

After the Bison opened the second half scoring with a layup, the Presidents went on a 10-2 run to gain a 35-31 lead, followed by an 8-0 run after Bethany closed the gap to 35-34. The Bison were able to stay within striking distance for most of the second half as they closed their deficit to five points, trailing 60-55, with just under two minutes to play. Then, with under a minute left in the game, Mike Zappala (Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel) scored the next 10 points for the Presidents, going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line, outscoring the Bison 10-2 by himself to secure the victory.

The first half was a very closely contested affair as Bethany gained two separate five-point leads before W&J closed the gap both times and only trailed 27-25 heading to halftime.

Zappala finished the game with a career-high 22 points while hit 10 made and attempted free throws were also career highs. He also pulled down five rebounds in the game. Jonathan DeVito (Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) scored 16 points in the win and shot 4-for-6 from three-point land, tying a career high in made three's in a game, while he also contributed four rebounds and two steals.

Sean Stinelli (Harrison City, Pa./Penn-Trafford) totaled 12 points, six rebounds and two steals while Brian Graytok (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Central Catholic) finished with 11 points, five rebounds and a career-high eight assists. 

W&J finished the game going 21-for-28 from the free throw line but sank 19-of-22 in the second half while Bethany went 4-for-7 in the game. For the game, the Presidents finished with advantages in points off turnovers (14-2) and second chance points (7-4).

The Presidents will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 11, when they travel to Waynesburg for a 7:30 p.m. tip in PAC action.