BUFFALO, NY—Buffalo State and Capital earned victories tonight to open the Buffalo State Women’s Basketball Betty Abgott Invitational at the Sports Arena. Capital took the opening game with a 45-35 victory over College of New Jersey, and Buffalo State topped Cazenovia, 80-35, in the late game.

In the opener, Capital, ranked No. 7 in the nation, never trailed en route to the 10-point victory. The Crusaders built a 24-12 halftime lead, and never let College of New Jersey closer than five points in the second half. Kati Todd (South Milford, IN/Prairie Heights) led Capital with 14 points on 5 of 14 shooting, including 4 of 11 for long range. Sara Heitkamp (Ft. Recovery, OH/Ft. Recovery) added 12 points, seven rebounds and seven steals for the Crusaders. Megan Hueter (Haddon Heights, NJ/Haddon Heights) led New Jersey with seven points and five rebounds. Erin Frank (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) added six points, five rebounds and five blocked shots.

In the nightcap, Buffalo State opened the game on a 12-1 run and never looked back as it cruised to the 45-point win. Toya Parks (Brooklyn/MLK) led the Bengals attack with a career-high 18 points. Darnika Moseley (Liverpool/Liverpool) added 15 points, and freshman Gina Apa (Buffalo/McKinley) scored seven points, and had nine rebounds and six assists. Heather Nearpass (Clyde/Clyde-Savannah) led Cazenovia with 13 points. Ashley Agresta (Amsterdam/Galway) added seven points and nine rebounds. Buffalo State turned 34 Wildcat turnovers into 28 points and outscored Cazenovia 40-10 in the paint.

Capital and Buffalo State will meet in tomorrow’s championship game at 3 p.m. College of New Jersey will play Cazenovia in the consolation game at 1 p.m.