BUFFALO, NY—Capital and Buffalo State both registered victories on the opening day of the 2004 Buffalo State Men’s Basketball Coles Classic. Capital (OH) defeated RPI, 80-67, and Buffalo State slipped past Clark (MA), 57-51.

In the opening game, Capital built a 43-21 lead over RPI by the intermission on the strength of a 23-2 run over a span of 11:15 in the first half. The Crusaders held on over the final 20 minutes to post the 13-point victory. Jake Beck led four Capital players in double-figures with 20 points. David Johnson added 16 points, while David Kalb pitched in 13. Jeff Hager tallied 11 points and a team-high eight assists. RPI also had four players in double-digits. Tom Schneider and Paris Moore each scored 17 points, while Schneider added a game-high 11 rebounds. Matt Zepernick and Jon Van Schaick notched 14 and 10 points respectively.

Buffalo State edged Clark, 57-51, in the nightcap, despite shooting just 36-percent (9-25) from the free throw line. Jay Wingate (Henrietta/Rush-Henrietta) and Jeremy Konst (Williamsville/Williamsville East) led the Bengals with 12 points apiece. John Lawal (Hempstead/Uniondale) added 10 points and a team-high six rebounds for Buffalo State. Tim Dutille led the Cougars with 18 points, Asher Cowan chipped in 14 points, and Adam Miller grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds.

Buffalo State will face Capital in tomorrow’s championship game at 3 p.m. Clark will meet RPI in the consolation game at 1 p.m.