DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Buffalo State (6-2) scored the final nine points of the contest to claim a 64-58 victory over Babson (2-7) today in the final game of the Daytona Beach Shootout at the Ocean Center.

Kala Crawford (Middle Falls/Saratoga Springs) led the Bengals with 17 points and was named to the All-Tournament Team.  Bianca Smiley (Amherst/Sweet Home) added 11 points and eight rebounds, and Staci McElroy (Saratoga Springs/Saratoga Springs) had 10 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Buffalo State appeared ready to cruise to the victory, racing out to a 19-9 lead, but Babson cut the advantage to just 30-26 at halftime.  The second half stayed tight through, and the Beavers took a 58-55 lead with 2:42 remaining, but would not score again.  Buffalo State finally took the lead for good with 1:46 remaining, and then added another bucket by Crawford and three free throws in the closing seconds.

Buffalo State capitalized on 27 Babson turnovers, compared to 16 by the Bengals.  Buffalo State converted those miscues into 26 points, also outscored the Beavers 19-8 at the free-throw line. 

The win by the Bengals represented the first time the Beavers have lost to a SUNYAC opponent after victories in each of their first four contests.

Buffalo State will open the New Year with a rescheduled home game against Hamilton on Jan. 6 at 5 p.m.