Utica, NY – The Utica College men's basketball team hosted Fredonia on Saturday for the first game of the Utica College Basketball Classic. Kobe Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle) led the way with a season-high 22 points (6-for-9 3PT), as the Pioneers advance to the championship game. UC will matchup with Vassar College at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
 
Lufkin was hot right from the opening tip, making four shots from beyond the arc early on in the opening half. Utica constantly put pressure on Fredonia's defense, getting into the paint for easy baskets and drawing fouls. Solid defense from the Pioneers also aided their cause, as the team entered halftime with a 44-25 advantage.
 
The second half was more of the same, as UC attacked the basket and earned easy points. The visiting Blue Devils fell far behind in this one, as Utica's largest lead extended to 28 points. The orange and white were able to coast through the finish line with an 88-63 win, improving to 6-2 overall on the season.
 
Kobe Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle) led all scorers with his 22-point effort, in his first start of the season. Sophomore Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) finished with a double-double in this one on 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Shawn Gashi (Central Square, NY/Bishop Grimes) scored 12 of his own. Freshman Justin Worth (Catskill, NY/Catskill) notched a career-high 13 points, shooting 3-for-4 from the floor and 7-for-9 at the free throw line. Justin Mayers (Hastings, NY/Hastings on the Hudson) and Jaylin Miller (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) combined for 8 points off the bench, both scoring their first points of the year.
 
Matt Perez led the Blue Devils in scoring with 14 points off the bench, as the team falls to 0-8. Isaiah Ice contributed 11 points and four assists, while teammate Bediako Nyasa poured in 10 points. Fredonia will face Anna Maria in the consolation game on Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m.
 
Tip-off for the Utica College Basketball Classic Championship, between Utica and Vassar, is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday.