Box Score Stevens 94, Utica 85 - Box Score

Utica, N.Y. (1/28/2012) - The Utica College men's basketball team dropped a 94-85 decision against Stevens Institute of Technology in Empire 8 Conference play at the Clark Athletic Center on Saturday.  All five of the Ducks starters netted ten points or more as they combined for 89 of their team's 94 total points. 

Junior forward Jeff Ward (Ossining, NY/Ossining High School) led the Pioneers with a team-best 20 points and he also grabbed eight rebounds, but it was not enough, as the Pioneers saw their overall record fall to 6-13 on the year.  UC's conference mark moved to 2-7 headed into a four game road trip, beginning next Friday night at St. John Fisher College.

Stevens completed the season sweep of the Pioneers and moved their record to 15-4 and 7-3 in the E8.  Mike Cutri led the Ducks with 25 points, while sharp shooter Russ Thompson scored 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting from 3-point land. 

The contest featured six ties and four lead changes, but Stevens was able to stay the course as UC cut the Ducks lead to two points or less on three occasions in the second half. An 11-2 burst in a span of three minutes midway through the second half gave the visitors a solid ten point advantage, 76-66, with 7:36 remaining in the contest.  Stevens was able to maintain at least a six point buffer for the remainder of the game to thwart any of the Pioneers comeback thoughts. 

The first half saw both teams make quality runs beginning with an 8-0 run in a span of 1:00 by Stevens, giving the visitors an early ten point lead, 17-7. Utica was able to answer right back with a 12-2 run to knot the score at 19-19 with 10:26 left in the first half of play.  Stevens added an 11-2 run, before the Pioneers went on a 15-8 run to close out the first half scoring.  The Ducks managed to maintain a one point advantage, 45-44, at the half.

Junior Matt Baldwin (Gloversville, NY/Gloversville) netted 19 points for UC, while freshman guard Aaron Nevis totaled 15 points, eight assists and six rebounds.   

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