UTICA, NY – The Utica College men's basketball team defeated Empire 8 Conference opponent Ithaca College 84-72 on Friday night. The Pioneers used a 14-2 run over the last two minutes of the game to secure the victory. Robert Tutein (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet) had a game high 29 points as well as a game high nine rebounds while Agim Hamiti (Prishtina, Kosovo/Syracuse Academy of Science) chipped in 15 points and nine rebounds.
 
Utica improved its record to 5-9 overall and 2-4 in conference play. The Pioneers return to action Saturday as they host Empire 8 opponent Nazareth at 2 p.m. Ithaca's record fell to 9-7 overall and 3-4 in conference play.
 
The Bombers had four players score in double-digits and were led by Marc Chasin who had 22 points while Joey Flanagan was second on the team with 14 points.
 
Ithaca used a 8-2 run over the last 3:30 of the first half to go into halftime up 45-37. Utica had a strong second half to defeat Ithaca outscoring the Bombers 45-28. UC has now outscored its opponent in the second half in four of the five victories this season.
 
Carl Taylor (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) and Ivan Iton (Ossining, NY/Ossining) were the only other two Pioneers who scored in double figures. Taylor had 11 points to go along with six rebounds while Iton had 10 points and five rebounds.