Newark, N.J. – November 11, 2023 – The Springfield College men's basketball team finished as the runner-up at the 2023 John K. Adams Tip-Off Classic held by Rutgers-Newark University after today's setback to Wesleyan University, 83-51, in the Golden Dome.

Springfield, now 1-2 on the season, received ten points, three steals and a rebound off the bench from senior Zeke Blauner (Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.).  For his efforts over the weekend, junior Curtiss Blische (Barkhamsted, Conn.) earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team as he ended his day with six points, seven rebounds and a steal. Wesleyan improved to 2-0 after last night's win over Hiram College.

Wesleyan jumped out to a 7-0 edge over the first 1:28 of the game before a pair of free throws by John Paulino (New Bedford, Mass.) cut Springfield's deficit to just two points at 13-11 with 13:56 to play in the first half. The Cardinals went on a 31-5 run over the final thirteen minutes of the stanza and took a 44-16 lead into the break.

Ten different student-athletes found the basket for the Pride in the second half to account for their 35 points over the final 20 minutes of the contest. Blauner led Springfield with six points in the second, while DJ Watkins (Union, N.J.) notched five points in the half. Wesleyan eventually took its largest lead of the game of 42 points with 5:54 to play as the final horn sounded with the Cardinal ahead by an 83-51 final.

Springfield will return home on November 21 for a non-conference matchup with Eastern Connecticut State University at 5:00 pm in Blake Arena.

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