Utica University Athletics

Junior guard Bennito Ayarza of the Utica College men’s basketball team was named the College’s Male Athlete of the Week for his contributions in a trio of Empire 8 matchups last week.
            Bennito Ayarza combined for 41 points to go with 12 rebounds and 12 assists in games against Hartwick on Tuesday and Houghton and Alfred this weekend. Against Alfred, Ayarza scored a career-high 24 points in a 66-62 victory, giving UC its eighth conference win of the year.
            On the season Ayarza is second on the team averaging just under 10 points per game. He is currently leading the team with 40 steals, a mark that has him second in the conference. He is also leading the team with 70 assists which is ninth in the Empire 8.
            The team is back in action on Tuesday for an Empire 8 matchup against Ithaca College in the Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.