BUFFALO, NY—Capital captured the championship of the men’s basketball Coles Classic, defeating Buffalo State, 72-68, today at the Buffalo State Sports Arena. Clark topped RPI, 69-58, in the tourney’s consolation game.

Capital (2-0) hit 7-of-12 from three-point range in the opening half and sprinted to a 42-27 lead at the intermission. Buffalo State (1-1) mounted a late charge and came within two points, but the Crusaders held on for the victory. Jake Beck led Capital’s attack with 22 points and seven rebounds. David Johnson and Brian Alge each added 11 points for the Crusaders. Gregg Jones (Syracuse/Nottingham) paced Buffalo State with 15 points and four assists. Jay Wingate (Henrietta/Rush-Henrietta) and John Lawal (Hempstead/Uniondale) pitched in 11 points apiece for the Bengals.

In the consolation game, Clark overcame a 35-31 halftime deficit with a 12-0 run early in the second half and never looked back en route to the 11-point win. Clark shot 60-percent from the floor for the game. The tandem of Tim Dutille and Adam Miller dominated for the Cougars as Dutille scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Miller tallied 17 points and 14 boards. RPI was led by John Van Schaick’s 17 points. Tom Schneider added 16 points and nine rebounds, and Paris Moore chipped in 12 points. Clark improved to 1-1 with the first collegiate win in Head Coach Mo Cassara’s career. RPI fell to 0-2.

Tournament MVP: Jake Beck (Capital)

All-Tournament Team: David Johnson (Capital), John Lawal (Buffalo State), Tim Dutille (Clark), Adam Miller (Clark), Tom Schneider (RPI)