Utica, NY – The Utica College men's basketball team defeated Elmira on Saturday, with the final score reading 93-77. The Pioneers improve to 7-6 overall and 2-2 in E8 play.
 
UC took an early 9-0 lead, in the first three minutes of the opening half. Elmira would answer with a 10-0 run in the span of 3:08, to take a 12-11 lead with 13:01 on the clock. Ivan Iton (Ossining, NY/Ossining) sparked a quick 7-0 run, giving Utica a 40-29 lead with less than three minutes before halftime. Kobe Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle) knocked down two big 3-point shots to close out the half, as the Pioneers entered the locker room with a 16-point lead.
 
Utica began to stretch its lead throughout the second half, going up by as many as 20 points. Alex Ischiropoulus provided Elmira with hope, hitting two consecutive shots from beyond the arc to cut UC's lead to 11 points. The Pioneers were up to the task, hitting important free throws down the stretch to protect their lead and earn the 16-point victory.
 
Ivan Iton (Ossining, NY/Ossining) had a monster game, finishing with a career-high 34 points to go with 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Freshman Kobe Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle) tallied 14 points, shooting 4-for-6 from long range. This win marks the second in a row for the Pioneers.
 
Elmira was led by Justin Porrett's 19 points and seven assists in the loss. Jesse Adelson scored 16 points in the contest, as teammate Henry Cuffee added 12 points and five boards. The Soaring Eagles drop to 3-11 overall and 1-4 against Empire 8 opponents.
 
The Pioneers return to action on Tuesday, as they play host to E8 foe Sage. The game is set to tip-off at 6 p.m.