ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, NY -- RIT Head Coach #Bob McVean# became the 32nd coach in NCAA Divison III history to reach 500 career wins on Friday as the RIT (7-14, 3-9 Liberty League) men's basketball team beat Bard College 71-58. In 35 years on the bench, McVean has amassed a 500-390 career record, including 442 wins as RIT Head Coach.

"I think of all the players that have come through RIT," said McVean after the game. "I share this with them, my assistant coaches and our team tonight. The boys played hard tonight and earned a good win."

RIT jumped out to an early lead, taking a nine point lead on a layup by #Eric Travis (Chicago,IL/Hinsdale South)# with 10:20 to play in the half. The Tigers held on for a 31-28 halftime lead.

The Tigers shot 48 percent from the floor in the first half on 13-of-27 shooting. RIT went 2-of-8 from behind the arc and made 3-of-4 free throws.

#Nick Dobson (Corning, NY/Corning West) led RIT with 17 first-half points. (Eldred, NY/Eldred)Mike D'Amico (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Mendon)# added seven points and three assists, while Travis grabbed seven rebounds.

RIT extended their lead to seven points early in the second half on a layup by Travis, giving the Tigers a 40-33 lead.

Bard ran off seven stright points, taking a 41-40 lead on three free throws by Ben Kane.

On RIT's next possession, #Ronnie Canestro (Buffalo, NY/Nichols School)# was fouled on the way to the hoop. He drained both free throws, giving RIT a 42-41 lead with 11:53 to play.

Four straight points by Travis gave RIT a 48-44 lead with 9:48 to play in regulation. He scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half.

Travis' layup with 7:05 to play gave RIT a 53-51 lead. His layup with 5:30 to play extended RIT's lead to 55-51.

#J.P. Reagan# drained a three pointer with 4:58 to play and extended the RIT to seven points at 58-51.

D'Amico's jumper capped off the run giving RIT a 60-51 lead with 3:51 to play.

RIT extended the lead to 13 points late, holding for the 71-58 win

Dobson led RIT with 22 points and seven rebounds. He was 9-of-13 from the floor and went 4-of-6 from the foul line. Travis finished with 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. D'Amico added 15 points and dished out three assists.

RIT shot 44 percent from the floor on 26-of-59 shooting. The Tigers went 6-of-15 from behind the three point line, and were 13-of-16 from the foul line.

The Tigers return to action on Saturday, Feb. 9 at Vassar College at 4 pm.