WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – The Southern Vermont College men's basketball team opened up the 2012–2013 campaign with an 81-51 loss to Williams College in the annual Williams Tip-Off Tournament. The Mountaineers were led in scoring by the combination of senior Taeshon Johnson (Charlotte, N.C.) who had 15 points and 10 rebounds and sophomore Tarvaris Jenkins (Chicago, Ill.) who added 13 points.

            The Ephs (1-0) came out strong and went up early. The Mountaineers (0-1) attempted to battle back, but the Ephs defense was stout throughout the game. Jenkins overcame an illness to be the second leading scorer for Southern Vermont on the night. SVC was led in assists with four by sophomore captain Travis Severs (Bennington, Vt.) who also chipped in with seven points offensively. Sophomore captain Jermaine Campbell (Bridgeport, Conn.) also recorded eight rebounds and five points.

            Williams held an 18-point lead at the half and continued to run the offense well throughout the remainder of the game. The Ephs were led in scoring and rebounding by center Michael Mayer (Durham N.C.) who put on a strong performance with 23 points and nine rebounds.

            The Mountaineers return to Williams tomorrow for the consolation game against Coast Guard Academy at 1 p.m.  Salem State University beat the Bears in the first game of the evening, 87-60.  Williams and Salem St. will play for the tournament championship at 3 p.m.