Utica, NY (12-3-12) – The Utica College men's basketball team opens up Empire 8 Conference play Tuesday against Hartwick College, on the road.

Tip-Off Details: The game will be held at the Lambros Arena in Oneonta, NY with tip-off set for 8 p.m. Binder Gymnasium's Lambros Arena has undergone major renovations in both August 2008 and August 2011. The facility, which the College ear marked $750,000 towards improvements, has a new playing floor for both basketball squads as well as Hartwick's volleyball program. New lights, painted walls, new bleachers, and new floor highlighted the projects.

Catch the Action From Home: For fans unable to make the game, Hartwick College will be providing live stats and video for the contest… Links to game coverage are available at ucpioneers.com.

The Pioneers: UC is currently 2-3 overall beating local rival SUNYIT, 97-80, at home on Nov. 20 and recently defeating SUNY Canton, 89-66, on the road.  Utica's three losses came at the hands of SUNY Cortland, 84-97, in the season-opener as well as New York University, 57-78, and Union College, 69-86, at the Hamilton College Tournament. New addition junior Connor Maisch is leading the way for UC averaging 13.8 points per game.  Senior forward Jeff Ward (Ossining, NY/Ossining High School) is second in scoring with 12.0 points and 6.0 boards per game while classmate Chris Jeffers (Albany, NY/Bishop Maginn) is averaging close to a double-double with 11.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest.

UC vs. “Wick”: Since the 2005-06 season, UC leads the series 8-6, however, Hartwick has won the last six meetings.  Utica previously had won eight straight from 2005-2009.  Last season, UC finished with a 9-16 overall record including a 5-9 mark in the E8 while Hartwick posted an impressive 23-4 record overall and a 12-2 mark in the conference.  As the host, the Hawks were knocked out of the NCAA Tournament by Farmingdale in the first round.

Hawk Scouting Report: Hartwick presently holds a 5-2 overall record and has won four straight, convincingly. The Hawks have destroyed their last four opponents (Wells, Oneonta, Keuka, Morrisville) winning by an average of 28 points per game.  Wick is led by senior standout Jared Suderly who is currently averaging 20.1 points and 7.0 boards per game.

Stevens up Next: The Pioneers return to action Friday night as they welcome E8 rival Stevens Institute of Technology to the Clark Athletic Center.  Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. The Ducks are currently undefeated at 5-0 including a 4-0 mark on the road.  SIT are beating opponents by an average score of 12 points per game.