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Utica, N.Y. (1/19/2011) – The Utica College men's basketball team (8-6, 2-4) hosts Empire 8 rival Nazareth College (9-6, 2-4) Friday. This is the first of two scheduled matchups between the conference foes this season.

The Pioneers are coming off a tough loss against Hartwick College, 83-60, in which sophomore Jeff Ward (Ossining, NY/Ossining High School) led the way with 15 points and seven rebounds. Ward is currently ranked third in the conference, bringing down 8.5 rebounds per game.

Over the past four years the Pioneers hold the series advantage over Nazareth, 5-3. UC's most decisive win came back on Feb. 9, 2007 when they beat the Golden Flyers 66-45. Utica's closest loss came on Dec. 7, 2007 when they lost 66-64.

Utica is led by James Patterson (Poughkeepsie, NY/Poughkeepsie) who is scoring 16.4 points per game, which ranks fourth in the conference. He also ranks first in the conference with 2.71 steals per game. Will Abrams (Somerset, NJ/Rutgers Prep School) is the second leading scorer on the team with an average of 12.4 points per game.

The Pioneers ranks third in the conference in rebounding (39.1 per game), blocked shots (3.36 per game), assists (14.50 per game), and steals (7.07 per game). UC has out rebounded its opponents by 65 total board this season.

Utica is 3-3 at home this season, while Nazareth is 2-3 on the road. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.