BUFFALO, NY—Elmira and Buffalo State earned victories to tip-off the Betty Abgott Women’s Basketball Invitational today at the Buffalo State Sports Arena. Elmira defeated Mt. St. Vincent, 81-66, and Buffalo State topped D’Youville, 77-63.

In the opening game, Elmira (1-0) sprinted to a 49-33 lead by the intermission and coasted to a 15-point win over Mt. St. Vincent (0-1). The two teams combined for 74 turnovers, with Mt. St. Vincent committing 42. Kourtney Troutman led the Soaring Eagles with 15 points, seven rebounds and six steals. Jen Parker added 14 points, and Sarah Cote chipped in 13. Mt. St. Vincent was led by Laura Bucci and Kaitlin Burud with 12 points apiece. Kaitlin Morch pitched in 10 points and seven rebounds for the Dolphins.

In the nightcap, Buffalo State (1-0) led D’Youville (0-1), 36-28, at halftime, and pulled away for the 14-point victory. The Bengals outrebounded the Spartans 45-29. Tawan Slaughter (Buffalo/Christian Central) led Buffalo State with 20 points and added seven rebounds and four assists. Jacey Brooks (Machias/Franklinville) and Darnika Moseley (Liverpool/Liverpool) each scored 19 points, and Amanda Benoit (Deerfield/Whitesboro) added eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds. D’Youville’s Kate Modafferi led all scorers with 27 points, and Rachel Placito scored 17 points for the Spartans.

Buffalo State and Elmira will square off in tomorrow’s championship game at 3 p.m. D’Youville will battle Mt. St. Vincent in the consolation game at 1 p.m.