SCRANTON, PA-Buffalo State (19-9) overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to take a lead in the closing minutes, but could not hang on as its season ended at the hands of Scranton (23-5), 58-56, tonight in the opening round of the NCAA Playoffs before a crowd of 2,500 at the John J. Long Arena.

The Bengals opened the game ice cold, hitting just 21-percent from the field and 1-of-7 from three-point range, as they trailed 27-16 at the intermission. Buffalo State jumped back in the contest in the second half after opening on a 6-0 run. The Bengals took their first lead when Josh Becker (Hamburg/Frontier) hit a three-point basket with 2:40 remaining to take a 52-50 lead. After falling behind again, Becker reclaimed the lead with a jumper with just 42 seconds to play at 56-55. The Royals hit three free throws in the closing seconds, however, and Buffalo State was unable to launch a final shot at the buzzer.

Becker led the Bengals with 25 points on 9-of-15 from the floor, including 21 points in the second half. He also recorded seven rebounds. Perry Davis (Buffalo/Seneca) added 10 points and five boards, and Jeremy Konst (Williamsville/Williamsville East) scored nine points and dished out seven assists.

Scranton was led by 6'8" Derek Elphick's 19 points. Dan Loftus added 15 points and Brian O'Donnell added 11. The Royals will host Ursinus in the second round on Saturday.

- BENGALS -