SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Susquehanna University men's and women's basketball teams will open their 2004-05 seasons this weekend in the 16th annual Pepsi/Weis Markets Tip-Off Tournament at O.W. Houts Gymnasium.

The men will hit the court first with games on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, while the women take to the floor for games on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Admission to the tournament is $3 for adults and $1 for students per session.

In the men's tournament, King's will square off with Staten Island in Friday's opener at 6 p.m. while the Crusaders will battle Elmira in the nightcap at 8 p.m. Saturday's consolation game will be at 1 p.m. with the championship game at 3 p.m.

The host Crusaders have won six tournament championships, including a 73-61 victory over King's in last year's final. Susquehanna returns just one starter and five letterwinners from last year's squad which finished 15-9 overall and 7-7 in the Commonwealth Conference.

Elmira split its final 12 games last season after opening the year 3-10. Senior Albert Davis is the Soaring Eagles' top returning scorer at 7.2 points per game, and also recorded 20 rebounds in a win over Alfred. Sophomore Brandon Crittenden averaged 5.3 points and 4.9 rebounds last season.

King's (20-6) is anchored by senior Brian Horgan , who was first-team All-Freedom Conference after averaging 18.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game last season. Senior Marty O'Hora averaged 9.2 points and 5.7 rebounds last year.

Staten Island (19-9) was the top seed in the CUNYAC playoffs and advanced to the ECAC semifinals last season. The Dolphins return first-team all-CUNYAC guard Mike Stewart (17.9 ppg) and second-team forward Mike Nebavlakis (16.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg).

The women's tournament tips off on Saturday evening with the Crusaders facing Ursinus at 6 p.m. and York battling William Paterson at 8 p.m. Sunday's action starts with the consolation game at 1 p.m. and the championship at 3 p.m.

Susquehanna has a youthful squad with 11 of its 14 players with one year of experience or less. The Crusaders, who finished 7-18 last season and 3-11 in the Commonwealth Conference, have won 14 straight season openers since the 1989-90 season and nine tournament titles, but lost 62-51 to Lycoming in last year's championship game.

Ursinus (9-16 last season) should improve on last year's record with all five starters back, including sophomores Mary Kate Daley (12.7 ppg) and Molly Guntli (8.3 ppg, 11.1 rpg). Additional offense should come from juniors Julia Tramontana (8.6 ppg) and Alison Walker (8.5 ppg).

York (16-11) made its first-ever appearance in the Capital Athletic Conference title game last season, led by CAC Player of the Year Heather Kessler (18.0 ppg, 4.9 apg). Ashley Robertson averaged 9.7 points and 7.5 rebounds last season while Jessica Kemp connected on 40 three-pointers in 26 games.

William Paterson (18-11) participated in the ECAC semifinals last season and is led by sophomore Luci Custis averaged 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds as a rookie, while senior Adrienne Kopko contributed 8.3 points and 7.9 rebounds a year ago.