The Spartans (1-4) rolled out to a 27-11 lead in the first 13 minutes, but Washington & Jefferson responded with a 24-12 run to end the half. Sophomore forward Patrick Stewart (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield) hit a three-pointer with two seconds left in the half to bring the Presidents (1-4) to within four points (39-35).
CWRU stormed out of the locker room with 16 unanswered points to begin the second half in taking a 55-35 lead which they would not relinquish. Funso Lafe and Carson Oren each scored five points during the run which clinched the victory for the Spartans.
W&J was led by sophomore guard Jon Koch’s (New Kensington, Pa./Plum) 17 points and five rebounds. Sophomores backcourt mate Brandon Studer (Johnstown, Pa./Conemaugh Valley) added 13 points and three assists for the Presidents, who shot just 30 percent (20-of-66).
Lafe and Oren both netted 13 markers for Case Western Reserve, while Matt Cannan rounded out the double digit scorers with 10 points. CWRU shot 46 percent (28-of-61).
The Presidents, who held a 44-43 advantage on the boards, return to action on December 12th as they host Skidmore at 3:00 pm.