UTICA, NY – The Utica College men's basketball team won its third straight Empire 8 Conference contest – and split the regular season series against visiting Stevens Institute of Technology -- as the Pioneers came away with a 80-72 victory on Friday night at Miga Court. UC's Shawn Gashi (Central Square, NY/Bishop Grimes) had another impressive evening as he posted 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the victory.
Utica shot 49% from the floor to control the contest as the Pioneers picked up their 10th win of the season. Utica also evened its record at 4-4 in conference play. The home team jumped out to a seven point lead at the half, 37-30, and never trailed in the second half on its way to an eight point victory over the Ducks.
The Pioneers avenged a six point loss on the road at Stevens back on January 5th. The Ducks saw their record fall to 13-6 overall and 6-4 in league play.
UC's Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) posted 11 points and added nine rebounds to go along with four assists. Kimedrick Murphy (Hudson, NY/Hudson) was a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor in just 13 minutes of action and senior Justin Mayers (Hastings, NY/Hastings on the Hudson) netted seven points in the victory.
Kobe Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle) provided the Pioneers with an excellent spark off the bench as he posted 12 points and shot a perfect 7-for-7 from the charity stripe. Justin Strielkauskas (Waterbury, CT/Holy Cross) added nine points and five rebounds off the bench for Utica.
The Ducks were led by 19 points and 11 rebounds from Alec DiPietrantonio, while Kevin Floria chipped in with 17 points and six assists.
Utica returns to the hardwood on Saturday when it hosts conference-leading Nazareth College in a pivotal E8 game at 4 p.m.
