The Utica College men's basketball team lost to Ithaca College 88-64 in a conference contest at Ben Light Gymnasium Tuesday evening. Utica falls to 2-9 in the Empire 8 while Ithaca improves to 8-5 in the Empire 8 and 15-7 overall on the season.
After going up 2-0 in the first minute of the game, UC turned the ball over three times to aid in the Bombers quick 10-0 run. The Pioneers ended that run with a lay up by guard
James Patterson, UC's leading scorer for the night, at 16:00. Ithaca would hold on to the lead for most of the first half. Utica College pulled within two points after guard
Evan Taylor hit a three-pointer at 4:28 to make the score 32-30, in favor of the Bombers. However, Ithaca would come right back with a 7-0 run to close out the half, 41-32.
The Bombers started the second half with possession and turned the ball over, resulting in a Patterson three-pointer. UC would convert its next two possessions into three point baskets, as well. Unfortunately, the Bombers would answer and at 13:12 they were in favor 58-45. The Pioneers would pull within six points at 11:19, 60-54, before their opponent would take off on another run of 28-15 to close out the game
Junior guard James Patterson led the Pioneers with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Marlon Davison scored a career-high 11 points and grabbed five boards and had two steals for UC. Senior
Pat Goodman added 13 points and snagged eight boards. The Bombers were led by guard
Jordan Marcus who had 36 points, along with five boards, two assists and two steals.
Phil Barera added 14 points and 20 boards.
The overall statistics for the game were as follows: FG%: Utica 36.4% (24-66) Ithaca 42.5% (31-73). FT%: Utica 65.2% (15-23) Ithaca 72.7% (16-22). 3pt%: Utica 31.6% (6-19) Ithaca 29.4% (10-34).
The Pioneers are back in action Friday as they travel to McLane Center to face Alfred University. The conference contest is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. UC is 7-2 versus Alfred over the past four seasons, including an early season loss at home 61-60. Alfred is 2-10 in the Empire 8 and 9-12 overall on the season.
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