Albany, NY – The Utica College men's basketball team faced off against Empire 8 opponent Sage on Tuesday. The Pioneers got a big win on the road, defeating the Gators by a score of 79-69.
 
Sage earned a small lead in the first half, as five quick points gave the team an 11-4 lead with 13:52 on the clock. The Gators would then extend their lead to 10-points less than two minutes later. Back-to-back baskets from beyond the arc helped UC cut the deficit to just two points, with six minutes remaining until halftime. Shawn Gashi (Central Square, NY/Bishop Grimes) stole the ball away and scored before the buzzer, as the Pioneers took a 30-28 lead heading into the mid-game break.
 
The game stayed tight early in the second half, as the teams were tied at 37-37 almost five minutes into play. Gashi got it going to give Utica a 59-52 lead with 6:56 remaining in the game. Carl Taylor (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) scored eight consecutive points for UC, giving the team a 77-66 lead with 1:17 left in regulation. The Pioneers would cruise to the finish line, walking away with the 10-point victory.
 
Ivan Iton (Ossining, NY/Ossining) led the way, as he posted a double-double on 14 points and 15 rebounds. Freshman Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) led the team with a career-high 16 points coming off the bench. Carl Taylor (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) finished with 15 points, while Shawn Gashi (Central Square, NY/Bishop Grimes) poured in a career-high 12 points. The Pioneers improve to 12-9 overall and 7-5 in E8 competition.
 
Sage was led by Barceem Dukes' double-double, coming from 11 points and 12 boards. Kevin Lenehan scored a team-high 16 points, while teammate Isaiah Scurry put up 12 points. The Gators are now 9-12 overall this season, with a conference record of 4-8.
 
The Pioneers return to action on Thursday, as they travel for matchup against Hartwick. The game is set to tip-off at 6 p.m.