Alfred, NY (Feb. 21, 2009) – The Utica College women's basketball team defeated conference foe Alfred University 77-70 in its final game of the regular season on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers finished the regular season winning 13 of their previous 14 games.

UC finishes with a 19-6 overall record (13-3 in the Empire 8), which was good enough for the No. 2 seed in the upcoming E8 Conference Tournament at host Ithaca College.

The Pioneers found themselves in a battle early in a first half that featured four lead changes and two UC deficits of six points. The Pioneers rallied thanks to Laura Keating's 12 first half points, shooting 3-for-3 from the perimeter which helped opened up a six point lead going in to the break.

The second half belonged to the Pioneers, despite a four-point lead by the Saxons with 12:38 remaining in the game. Berry went to work after the intermission dropping 19 of her game-high 24 points in the final 20 minutes. She led UC to a 12-point lead (74-62), it's largest of the game, with 2:16 left to play and the Pioneers never looked back. Berry's 80 percent shooting and nine rebounds in the second half proved to be too much for the Saxons.

Sophomore Jessica Berry led the way for the Pioneers with game-highs of 24 points (10-for-14) and 10 rebounds, giving her 11 double-double's this season. Katie McGee finished the night posting 16 points, eight assists and two turnovers. The Pioneers' 45.3 shooting percentage from the field and 12 points in the paint helped them pull past Alfred for the win.

The Pioneers begin the conference tournament at Ithaca on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 when they will face third seeded Stevens Institute of Technology. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.


- www.ucpioneers.com -