| 1/9/2004 10:17:59 PM

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ROCHESTER, NY- The men's basketball team began their 2003-2004 Empire 8 Conference schedule with a win over Elmira College, 91-80, at Clark Gym tonight. The Soaring Eagles started the game running a quick offense and a strong defensive unit, but RIT answered the challenge, bringing the score to an 11-11 tie six minutes into the half. RIT capitalized on the strong play of their defense, creating several key Elmira turnovers. Luis Villalongo (Chicopee, Mass./Chicopee Comprehensive) (Chicopee, MA) led the Tigers with three crucial steals on the night. Up 26-14 with about eight minutes to play, the Tigers were able to keep the ball moving and confuse the rhythm of a fast-moving Eagles offense. RIT opened up their lead to a 30-18 margin with just over five minutes in the half as Elmira committed several key offensive mistakes, giving the Tigers the ball. RIT took a commanding 41-30 lead into halftime.

Early in the second half, the Tigers kept Elmira on their heels, using good shooting to extend their lead. The Tigers held a 53-37 lead five minutes into the half, and were able to move the ball well around Elmira's defensive unit. Kyle Goff (Manassas, VA), who tallied 11 points in the first half, led an offense which shot 52.8 percent from the floor in the second half. RIT gained more momentum as the half continued, keeping Elmira's offense and defense off balance. They extended their lead to as much as 19 with just over five minutes to play. The Soaring Eagles narrowed the margin to ten with a minute to play, but the Tigers were able to secure the 91-80 victory. Kyle Goff finished the night with 28 points to lead all scorers, shooting 12-for-17 from the floor and 3-for-4 from the line.

RIT improves to 5-4 and 1-0 within the Empire 8. They will continue their conference schedule tomorrow night when they tip off against Ithaca at 4 p.m. in Clark Gymnasium.