Both teams came out hot, with junior Brandon Studer (Johnstown, Pa./Conemaugh Valley) leading the way for W&J with 10 points in the first seven minutes. Elmira began to pull away; however, using a balanced attack which saw four starters score at least eight points in the first stanza.
The Screaming Eagles' advantage grew as large as 18, at 42-24, before sophomore Tony Lewis (Mayfield Heights, Ohio/Orange) led a W&J comeback. Lewis scored 15 consecutive points for W&J, helping to cut the lead to 10 at the half, 47-37.
W&J kept the momentum going early in the second half, going on a 16-7 run to pull within one at 54-53. Studer made two three-point baskets in the run and Matt Vorndran (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll) added a pair of baskets. For the third consecutive day; however, the Presidents couldn't keep the momentum and Elmira pulled away for the victory.
Lewis and Studer led the way for the Presidents, scoring 23 and 20, respectively, while Koch and sophomore Greg Stuckey (Orlando, Fla./Olympia) added nine each.
The Presidents (1-10) return home to begin the conference season on Wednesday, squaring off against Waynesburg at 6:00 pm in the Henry Memorial Center.