Alfred, NY – The Utica College men's basketball team defeated host Alfred University 70-62 in the regular season finale for the Pioneers Saturday. Junior forward Patrick Goodman helped UC finish the season in winning fashion totaling 25 points, seven boards and two assists headed into the conference tournament next weekend.

UC finished third in the conference with a 17-8 overall record and 11-5 in conference play. The Pioneers head into the playoffs riding an eight game winning streak.

UC and Alfred went shot for shot through the first half exchanging baskets at a steady pace. The Saxons held the lead for 15:57 of the first period but the Pioneers kept chipping away allowing them to tie the score at 32 with a lay-up by Justin Smith with three seconds left in the half.

The Pioneers came into the second half determined to win the season finale, 3:20 into the second period UC took the lead and never looked back, despite a late comeback by the Saxons tying the score at 51 with 05:05 left in the game.

Alfred out shot the Pioneers 57-52, but UC was able to post a 46.2 shooting percentage, which helped the Pioneers prevail. UC outscored Alfred 32-16 in the paint and added 20 more points off turnovers.

Doug Herring and James Patterson both added 13 points and combined for 11 rebounds to contribute to the UC effort.

Carl Embury led the way for the Saxons tallying a team-high 18 points and four rebounds, while teammate Jared Patt contributed 15 points.

The Pioneers begin the conference tournament on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at Ben Light Gymnasium in Ithaca, NY. UC will face second seeded RIT. Tip off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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