Houghton, NY – The Utica College men's basketball team defeated Houghton College, 72-56, extending its winning streak to four games. The Pioneers improve to 9-6 overall on the season and are now 4-2 in Empire 8 play.
 
UC got going early, jumping out to a 15-3 in the first five minutes of action. Two 3-point baskets by freshman Kobe Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle) pushed the team's lead to 15 points with less than ten minutes left in the half. The Pioneers would lead by as many as 21 points in the first half, which would be their largest lead of the contest. Utica would go into the locker room holding a 38-22 lead at the break. Ivan Iton (Ossining, NY/Ossining) nearly notched a double-double in the first half, entering halftime with 10 points (3-for-4 FG, 4-for-5 FT) and eight rebounds.
 
Houghton would put together an 8-2 run in the span of 2:32, cutting Utica's lead to 10 points with 13:07 on the clock. Bennito Ayarza (Brooklyn, NY/Cayuga Community College) got hot to close out the game, scoring 10 of his team-high 19 points during a five-minute stretch before being subbed out for the remainder of play. The Pioneers held the lead from start to finish, as they cruised to the 16-point victory.
 
Bennito Ayarza (Brooklyn, NY/Cayuga Community College) went 8-for-12 from the field, finishing with 19 points, five assists, and four steals. Ivan Iton (Ossining, NY/Ossining) posted a double-double on 14 points and 10 boards, while also adding two blocks defensively. Hunter Remley (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) recorded a stat line of 10 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, as teammate Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) scored 10 of his own. This was the team's first win on the road so far this season.
 
The Highlanders were led by Carl Holmes, who tallied 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in the loss. Jordan Holmes came up with nine points and five boards, while Antonio Deadmon added seven points. Houghton drops to 3-13 overall and 0-7 against conference opponents so far this year.
 
The Pioneers are on the road again Saturday, as they face-off against Alfred University. The game is set to tip-off at 2 p.m.