Utica, N.Y. (12/3/2010) - The Utica College men's basketball team (3-1, 0-0 Empire 8) travels to Saratoga Springs, NY this weekend to participate in the Hilton Garden Inn Invitational hosted by Skidmore College. The Tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday at Williamson Sports Center on campus at Skidmore College.

After beginning the season 3-0, all against SUNY opponents, Utica's undefeated streak was snapped in a battle with cross-town rival Hamilton Wednesday night when the Continentals went on a late run and earned a 71-60 at Hamilton's Margaret Bundy Scott Field House.

On Saturday, UC will face the Thomas College Terriers (1-3, 0-0 NAC) at 6 p.m. The Terriers are located in Waterville, ME and compete in the North Atlantic Conference.

The Pioneers are led senior guard James Patterson (Poughkeepsie, NY/Poughkeepsie) who is currently tied for first in the conference in points scored (16.8) and leads the E8 in steals (13). Patterson is also fourth in assists (16) and he is shooting 48 percent from the floor.

Complimenting Patterson at the guard position is sophomore Kevin Johnson who is averaging 14 points per game, good enough for 12th in the conference, and shooting 91% from the free throw line, currently second in the conference. Johnson ranks fifth in assists (13) and third in steals (eight).
Sophomore Jeff Ward (Ossining, NY/Ossining High School) has made a big impact in the paint for the Pioneers averaging just a under a double-double per contest, including an average of eight points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Ward currently ranks third in the conference in rebounds, both offensive and defensive.

Skidmore College is currently 3-1 overall this season and competes in the Liberty League. The Thoroughbreds were nationally recognized recently after a 128-123 victory over Southern Vermont that set a Division III record, for longest game ever played (seven overtimes).

The other participant is Bard College which located in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY about 90 miles north of New York City. The Raptors are currently 0-6 overall as well as 0-3 in the Skyline Conference.

Following the tournament, the Pioneers will be back in action Tuesday as they host SUNY Cortland at the Clark Athletic Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

                                         Hilton Garden Inn Invitational Tournament Schedule
                                                               Saturday, December 4
                                             Skidmore College vs. Bard College 4 p.m.
                                              Utica College vs. Thomas College 6 p.m.
                                                               Sunday, December 5
                                                            Consolation Game 1 p.m.
                                                          Championship Game 3 p.m.

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