OBERLIN, Ohio - The Washington & Jefferson College men's basketball team posted a low scoring 56-49 victory over the Clarkson Green Knights. The win effectively enters the Presidents into the championship game of the Oberlin College Tip-off Classic to face host Oberlin college Saturday (Nov. 9).
 
The first game of the neutral site tournament served as the 2024 season opener for each squad, with the Presidents moving to 1-0 following the victory.
 
Nathan Plotner (Parkersburg, W.Va./Parkersburg South) spearheaded the Presidents' efforts in their first bout of the season, dropping his first double-double of the season and third of his career. Plotner tallied 12 points and 15 rebounds on the night. He also added six blocks, three steals and three assists to his totals.
 
Fellow sophomore Matthew Carte (Ravenswood, W.Va./Ravenswood) finished tied for the team lead in points with 12 points. Matt Seidl (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) led the team defensively, with a game-high five steals.
 
W&J jumped out to a 32-22 lead in the first half of play after shooting 14-of-32 in the opening half.
 
The Presidents jumped out to an 8-0 run in the midst of the opening half, sparked by a fastbreak layup from freshman Cameron Rowell (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) and a drained three from beyond the arc by Michael Pfeuffer (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt. Lebanon). Holding a three-point lead with six minutes remaining, W&J sprung another unanswered run which scored their final 10 points of the half. Plotner tallied six of his 12 points in this run to close the half, 32-22.
 
 Both sides started off the second half trading scores until the Golden Knights brought the lead within three, 41-38. A fastbreak three from Carte helped W&J maintain their lead for the time being. In a slew of missed shots and turnover filled possessions, the Presidents managed to tack on another five points as Carte drained another triple and Quinton Burlenski (Bridgeport, Ohio/Central Catholic) knocked down his second bucket of the night. Despite a late comeback push by Clarkson, W&J managed to maintain their lead for the remainder of the bout.
 
The Presidents put on a defensive showcase in their first outing of the year, creating 12 steals and posting seven total blocks. Fastbreak play was crucial for W&J as they outpaced their foe in fastbreak points 10-to-four. Offensively, W&J finished with a 42.9 field goal percentage on the night.
 
W&J will now face tournament host Oberlin in the championship game Saturday (Nov. 9). Opening tipoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.