Union 63, Utica 50 - Box Score

The Utica College women's basketball team lost 63-50 Tuesday night to host Union in a non-conference game.  Senior Jessica Berry (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) tallied her fourth double-double of the season netting 20 points and grabbing ten boards.  The Pioneers go into the break with an overall record of 4-6 including a 0-1 mark in the Empire 8.

The Dutchwomen (3-3) came out firing taking a 23-9 lead behind senior guard Leah Pepe and senior forward Lauren McCormick who finished the game with 11 and 14 points, respectively. Utica responded by closing out the half on a 10-4 run capped by a 3-pointer by Berry to pull within eight, 27-19, at halftime.

UC started off strong in the second half pulling within four points after a 9-5 run with 14:50 remaining in the half behind sophomore forward Meghan Fiore (Epping, NH/Epping) and Berry. Fiore finished the game with 19 points and seven rebounds. The Pioneers offensive struggles continued with only three players scoring in the second half.

Union would extend its lead with a 23-16 run to go ahead for good, 55-44,with 5:02 left in the half. McCormick drilled key baskets in the last minutes to keep the game out of reach for the visiting Pioneers.

Junior point guard Katie McGee (Philadelphia, PA/Nazareth) also finished the game with eight points, six rebounds and game-high six assists for Utica.

Utica has dropped four straight heading into winter break and will return to action on January 7 hosting St. John Fisher in Empire 8 Conference play. The Dutchwomen return to the court on December 29 at the Trinity Tournament in Texas, taking on East Texas Baptist.

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