The Utica College women's basketball team lost to host Ithaca College 64-62 in a big Empire 8 Conference game at Ben Light Gymnasium Tuesday. Utica is now 8-3 in the Empire 8 and 15-5 overall, while Ithaca is still undefeated at 13-0 in Empire 8 play and 18-4 overall for the season.

The game would start off back and forth; no team really had any decisive momentum. At 11:39, UC took the lead, 14-12, after two made free throws from guard Katie McGee (Philadelphia, PA). This would be UC's last lead until later in the second half. After Ithaca tied the game at 14-14, they would make a 22-12 run to close out the first half by a score of 36-26.

Utica rebounded during the intermission and outscored the Bombers in the second half 36-28. UC's Devon Croll (Vernon, NY) tied the game with two made free throws at 12:28. The Pioneers then took only their second lead of the game, 46-44, with a jumper by Justine Karst (Olean, NY) at 11:58. However, Ithaca would regain the lead and fend UC off on its way to their 13th victory in the conference. Utica made a small run in the final minute and ended up losing by two points. Jessica Berry and Devon Croll missed two last second shots to tie the game.

The Pioneers were led by junior forward Jessica Berry (Rome, NY) who had 26 points, nine rebounds, four steals and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. Guard Katie McGee added 15 points, six boards, three assists and two steals. Junior guard Devon Croll also had 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals in the loss. The Bombers leading scorer was guard Katherine Bixby who had 15 points and four assists.

The overall statistics for the game were as follows: FG% Utica: 36.5% Ithaca: 40.3%. FT% Utica: 77.8% Ithaca: 81.8%. 3-pt% Utica: 30% Ithaca: 35.7%.

The Pioneers are back in action as they travel to McLane Center to face the Alfred University Saxons Friday. The conference contest is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Over the past four seasons, UC 8-0 is versus Alfred. The Saxons are 3-9 in the Empire 8 and 9-12 overall this season.
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