BUFFALO, NY - The Villa Maria College Vikings were on the wrong end of a 35-22 second half, ultimately falling to Cuyahoga Community College 67-53 on Saturday afternoon as part of the Niagara National Insurance Tournament, hosted by Erie Community College.

The Vikings trailed the Challengers 32-31 at the break but allowed a 9-2 run to open the second half and could not recover.  The Challengers pumped the lead up to 10, 51-41 with 10:21 left.  The Vikings got no closer than six the rest of the way.

Freshman Gerald Bibbs (Buffalo, NY/Oracle) led the way offensively for Villa, scoring a season-high 18 points in 25 minutes.  The freshman connected on 6-of-7 shots and was 6-of-9 at the free throw line.  Junior Justin Stokes (Buffalo, NY/Middle Early College) scored 10 points as the only other Viking in double-figures.

The Vikings out-rebounded the Challengers 39-31 but couldn't overcome 22 turnovers.  Kaleb Vaughn and Waheem Lowman each scored 13 points to lead Cuyahoga.

Villa Maria is back in action on Sunday when they play Columbus State Community College in day two of the Tournament.  Tip is set for 4 p.m.  

For all updates on the Lady Vikings and the Villa athletic program, follow the Vikings on Twitter @villavikings.