Erie Opens Season with Tip-Off Classic

The Erie men's and women's basketball teams hosted the Erie Community College Tip-Off Classic to start the their 2024-25 seasons over the weekend.  In addition to the Kats, the teams from SUNY Niagara, Community College of Allegheny and Genesee Community College participated in the games played at the Burt Flickinger Center.  

The men's team faced Community College of Allegheny in their opening game, defeating the Wild Cats 85-73.  Oliver Ngarukiyintwari, a sophomore from Buffalo, was the leading scorer for Erie. He put up 20 points and barely missed the double-double with 9 rebounds. Sophomore Bright Ufele did get the double-double scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds while freshman Nathaniel Parker rounded out the top three scorers with 15. 

On Sunday, the Kats started strong against the Cougars, building a 26-13 lead to start the first half before Genesee stormed back and outscored Erie 23-8 in the final 9 minutes to take a 36-35 lead into the half.  Erie attempted to keep pace in the second half but ultimately fell 79-74.   Ngarukiyintari was again the leading scorer for Erie, putting up 16 points and seven rebounds.  Freshman Julienn Clements and Kydale Staten each had 12 points in the game.

Erie will look to regroup on Friday, November 8th when they are on the road to take on Bryant and Stratton, Ohio.

Scores of the other men's games:
Saturday- SUNY Niagara defeated Genesee 98- 70 
Sunday- SUNY Niagara defeated CC of Allegheny 82-73