WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College men's basketball team snagged their fifth Presidents' Athletic Conference triumph over reigning conference champion Geneva, 85-69.
 
W&J lifts to a 7-2 overall record and 5-1 mark in conference. Geneva falls to 2-6 overall and 2-3 in conference play after winning the PAC Championship last season.
 
The Presidents young core carried the offensive load, leading W&J in scoring. Michael Plasko (McDonald, Pa./South Fayette) headed the freshman's efforts with 18 points with a four-for-five mark from three. Quinton Burlenski (Bridgeport, Ohio/Central Catholic) dropped 14 points in the outing, racking up a season-high five steals. Cameron Rowell (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) rounded out the newcomers with 12 points and a season-high six steals.
 
The Red & Black hopped out to an 18-9 lead in the first 10 minutes of the opening half. Burlenski led the Presidents' opening attack scoring on three-straight possessions. The Golden Tornadoes chipped away at the deficit, bringing the lead within five with 4:50 remaining. A triple by Matt Seidl (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) and free throw counted from Alex Acosta (Acworth, Ga./North Cobb) capped the scoring for W&J at the close of the half, up 43-34.
 
Acosta kicked off scoring in the second half with a paint bucket followed the first-career three pointer made by Nathan Plotner (Parkersburg, W.Va./Parkersburg South). Geneva brought the W&J lead down to four points through fastbreak scoring. The Presidents responded by expanding their lead to double figures again which included an old fashioned three-point play by Plotner. Plasko drained two triples while Rowell found success on the break with two nifty layups, elevating their lead to 73-58. Mark Johnson Jr. (Princeton, N.J./John Curtis Christian School (La.)) rounded out W&J's scorers by tallying his first career layups as the Presidents rolled an 85-69 victory.
 
W&J held favorable advantages in points off of turnovers (26-8), fast break points (19-6) and bench points (34-10). Despite the win and bench presence, the Golden Tornadoes edged the Presidents on the boards with a 35-29 differential.
 
Men's hoops remains at home to take on the Saint Vincent Bearcats on Sunday (Dec. 15). Tipoff is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. start.