(Old Westbury, NY) Thursday, December 4, 2003 --- Men?s and Women?s Skyline Conference playoff champions receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament?and the journey toward that ultimate goal begins tonight for Old Westbury basketball with the start of Skyline play. For the Panther men...11-5 in the conference during 2002-03?a league matchup at SUNY Maritime will be their initial test. Old Westbury has split two games to date, a convincing 71-63 win over SUNY Purchase, and a 61-82 loss to Division II NY Tech. Junior G Michael Garrett is the early season scoring leader with 16.2 points per game. Junior F Chris Roberts is Old Westbury?s leading rebounder, averaging five per game so far.

The Lady Panthers will also be in action tonight, but will not begin conference action until a Saturday home game with the College of Mt St Vincent. New talent dominates the Old Westbury women?s roster, including several athletes who?ve already made an impact on the team and its opponents. G Ashley Embry (see text below), G Juliet George and G Aikesha Cumberbatch are among the newcomers joining Junior F/C Christina Squillante and other veterans. Old Westbury (2-10 Skyline, 2002-03) is currently 2-2 overall through tonight?s non conference game at York College. Saturday?s tip off with CMSV is at 400 PM at the Clark Athletic Center.

2003-04 Men?s and Women?s Basketball schedules and results to date follow.