WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Freshman guard Matt Seidl (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) poured in a game-high 24 points and classmate Alex Acosta (Acworth, Ga./North Cobb) tallied 15 points and five rebounds off the bench as the Washington & Jefferson men's basketball team rolled to an 80-53 win over visiting Franciscan University Saturday at Salvitti Family Gymnasium. 

The win coupled with an Allegheny loss to Saint Vincent has pushed the Presidents back into sole possession of first place in the PAC at 13-4 in league play. W&J is now 16-6 overall in 2022-23. The Barons fall to 2-14 in the PAC and 5-16 overall.

The first half got off to a competitive start as the Barons would match the Presidents hot start for a good portion of the first half. W&J found ways to create havoc on the defensive side of the ball creating a multitude of turnovers while the Barons countered the full-court press with excellent spot up shooting all around the arc. The Presidents garnered the first large lead of the game after the Barons evened the score at 15 all with 9:34 minutes remaining.

The scoring barrage that led to the Presidents large lead was headed by the freshmen duo of  Acosta and Seidl. Acosta posted 13 first half points, dominating in the paint while Seidl organized an attack from the air as he hit a flurry of threes and fade away jumpers to accumulate 17 first half points while the Barons had no answer. With five seconds remaining in the first half Acosta made a gritty layup to take the Presidents up 41-29 heading into the half.

Coming into the second half, the Presidents locked up the game quickly as they swell their lead to as many as 20 points by the 14-minute mark. Kyran Mitchell (Reading, Pa. / Berks Catholic) and Seidl ensured the lead as they pestered the Barons offense as they tried to march down the court to sneak back into the game, but to no avail. For the remainder of the game, the Presidents would coast to another PAC victory. 

Seidl led the Presidents with 24 points on the night followed up by fellow freshman Acosta (13 points) and Brandon Jakiela (McDonald, Pa./South Fayette) with 10 points. This is now the fourth straight game that Seidl has hit 20 or more points as the North Hills product is hitting his stride. Seidl is averaging 26.5 points per game during the two-week stretch. 

Mitchell led the Presidents in rebounds (7) and assists (5) as the senior captain made his mark today by facilitating the hot hands and working the boards.

W&J held key advantages in points in the paint and points off of turnovers as they boasted a day where they capitalized on their opportunities. The Presidents also out-rebounded the Barons at a differential of 32-25.

The Presidents will take a well deserved bye on Wednesday but return to action on the road against the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets Saturday afternoon. Tip off is scheduled for 3 PM.