| 2/28/2003 11:12:01 PM
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ROCHESTER, N.Y.—The Rochester Institute of Technology men’s basketball team closed out tonight with an 80-67 victory over Elmira. Even though RIT improved to 9-4 in the Empire 8 their chances of an NCAA berth were shattered as St. John Fisher upended Hartwick 61-57.
From the tip the purple and gold had an advantage in the post as the Tigers had to play with out the services of 6-10 center Jesse Foote (Lockwood, N.Y./Spencer-Van Ettan) (Lockwood, N.Y.) who sustained a knee injury earlier in the week. Elmira held the lead through most of the first half at some points the Tigers were down by five or more. With a little over a minute remaining in the half Senior co-captain Nick Panepinto (Niagara Falls, N.Y./Niagara Catholic) (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) gave the Tigers the lead off a pass from Dan Cerro (Union Springs, N.Y.). RIT headed to the locker room with the one point advantage to finish the half.
Again the Eagles dominated to begin the half holding the Tigers scoreless for over six minutes gaining the 42-37 advantage. Mike Stanton (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) sparked the Tigers offense hitting the jumper off a pass from Matt Borthwick (Highland Mills, N.Y./Monroe-Woodbury) (Highland Mills, N.Y.)to start the Tigers scoring. Both Albert White (Addison, N.Y./Notre Dame) (Addison, N.Y.) and Fran Snyder (Buffalo, NY/Bishop Timon St. Jude) (Buffalo, N.Y.), RACA’s Rookie of the Year, came off the bench to add to the momentum of the fast paced Tiger offense. The Tigers regained the lead with seven minutes remaining when guard Luis Villalongo (Chicopee, Mass./Chicopee Comprehensive) (Chicopee, Mass) netted the lay-up. Elmira’s attempt to leave tonight’s game with a victory was too far out of reach as three Tigers scored in double figures in Stanton with 19, Snyder with 17 while teammate Sean Murphy (Buffalo, NY/Williamsville North) (Buffalo, N.Y.) chipped in 12.
Corrin Jackson (Newfield, N.Y.) scored a game high 27 points while Taalib Horton (Elmira, N.Y.) grabbed a double double with 14 points and hauled down 11 boards.
The Tigers will conclude their regular season tomorrow when they host Ithaca. Not only will RIT recognize the seniors but will name the winner of the Stephen King award winner.
