| 3/5/2003 9:16:51 PM
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ROCHESTER, N.Y.—The Rochester Institute of Technology men’s basketball team will advance to the semifinal round of the ECAC tournament with a 84-57 victory over SUNY IT.
The Tigers jumped to a quick lead from the tip. RIT went on a seven point run to outscore the Wildcats and hold them at 14 for over four minutes. SUNY IT answered to bring the game within 10 to close the half at 39-29.
Junior, John Johnson (Hamburg, N.Y./Frontier Central) (Hamburg, N.Y.) recorded his best game of the season grabbing his first double double. Johnson netted 10 while hauling down 15 boards. His efforts in the paint allowed the Tigers to capitalize on second attempts. Albert White (Addison, N.Y./Notre Dame) (Addison, N.Y.) did a fine job covering for 6-10 center Jesse Foote (Lockwood, N.Y./Spencer-Van Ettan) (Lockwood, N.Y.) who injured his knee a few weeks ago. White covered the paint forcing the Wildcats to shoot from the outside. Kazy Payne (New York, N.Y.) answered that challenge hitting 4-4 from behind the arch. His attempts were not enough to propel the Wildcats past the faster, stronger RIT team.
Mike Stanton (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) paced the Tigers with 21 points while co-captain Nick Panepinto (Niagara Falls, N.Y./Niagara Catholic) (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) chipped in 12. Both Fran Snyder (Buffalo, NY/Bishop Timon St. Jude) (Buffalo, N.Y) and Johnson added 10 apiece.
SUNY IT was led by Payne with 12 while Jerry Buckley (Binghamton, N.Y.) added 11.
The Tigers will advance to the semifinals hosted by Nazareth College. RIT will face No. # 3 Union at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.
