WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The Ephs (1-0) beat Southern Vermont College (2-1) 97-65 in their season opener today to advance to the championship of the Williams Invitational.

Southern Vermont was the first on the board when Deshawn Hamlet scored a layup in the opening minutes. James Klemm responded with a 3-pointer at the 18:08 mark.  Brian Emerson added another three before Klemm hit his second of the game just under 30 seconds later. Klemm shot 4-9 from behind the arc in the game. The three triples were the beginning of a 15-4 run for the Ephs. Aggressive on the offensive end, the Eph played well defensively as well. Hayden Rooke-Ley, Harlan Dodson, and Nate Roberston all took charges for the Ephs in the first half. Going into the locker room, the Ephs led 48-23. The Ephs stayed aggressive in the second half. After Emerson opened the half with another three, the Ephs stayed on the offensive throughout the half.

The Mountaineers were led by Derrick Cenicola, who was a presence on both the offensive and defensive ends.  His greatest offensive play was sinking a three while falling down. Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, he fouled out.  He was tied for the Mountaineers' leading scorer with 14 points; Hamlet, who also fouled out, and Lance Spratling, who quickly took over once Cenciola left, also had 14 points. Ben Naaktgeboren led the Mountaineers with eight rebounds.