Comets Open With Split at NY Tournament

UTD Takes Consolation Game In Buffalo State Tournament

BUFFALO, NY - The UTD men's basketball team blew its chance to open the 2007-08 season like it did last year (when the Comets won 11 straight out of the gate), but UTD held its own against some Northeastern Division III competition at the Buffalo State University Tournament.

UTD (1-1) lost its opener to Gwynedd-Mercy College of Pennsylvania, 89-76; then won the consoloation game of the tournament, 75-60, over D'Youville College of New York.

Sophomore Brandon Greene (pictured above left) was the only Comet to finish in double-figure scoring both gams as UTD had different individuals step forward in each game. In the opener, Greene led the Comets with 17 points while freshman Jimmy Witten added 16 and sophomore Jordan Eppink pitched in 11 points and nine rebounds. On Saturday, it was sophomore Scott Rodgers (pictured above right) leading the way with a 19-point game off the bench while Ernie Lowery had 15 points and Greene added 11. Witten was held to four points, but had a 10-rebound game.

Against GMC, the Comets never could get caught up as the Griffins led from the opening basket. UTD trailed just 38-32 at the half, but couldn't get any closer as GMC hit 60.4 percent of its shots.

D'Youville gave UTD a game for most of the first period, but the Comets broke open a tie game with an 11-0 run to finish the first half with a 41-30 advantage. UTD then opened the second period on a 25-14 streak and held on for the win. This time, UTD won the battle of the boards, 47-36.

BOXSCORES: GWYNEDD-MERCY | D'YOUVILLE