Hoboken, NJ – The Utica College men's basketball team battled Stevens on Saturday for an Empire 8 conference matchup on the road. UC moves to 6-5 overall and 0-2 in the conference, after falling to the Ducks, 64-58.
 
Stevens took control of the game in the first half, as Michael Zignorski and Ryan Coffey each scored double digits before halftime. Shawn Gashi (Central Square, NY/Bishop Grimes) put up 14 for Utica in the half, as the team fought to stay in the game. The Ducks held a 15-point lead at the mid-game break, with the score reading 41-26.
 
The Pioneers stepped up their defense in the second half, keeping Stevens to shooting 18.5% throughout the final period of regulation. UC battled back and eventually tied the score up at 56 apiece thanks to a 3-point basket by Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) with 3:40 remaining in the game. However, Stevens would make some key free throws down the stretch to pull out the six point win.
 
Gashi led all scorers with 21, while Tyler Jollie (Marlboro, NY/Marlboro) recorded 11 points and seven rebounds. Kimedrick Murphy (Hudson, NY/Hudson) corralled 12 boards to go with his seven points and two steals. This loss makes it three in a row for the Pioneers, who look to bounce back next weekend.
 
Stevens was led by Michael Zignorski and Ryan Coffey as the Ducks improved to 10-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Zignorski poured in 19 points (4-for-6 3PT) as Coffey double-doubled on 14 points and 15 boards. A total of 13 offensive rebounds for Stevens resulted in 19 second chance points in the win.
 
The Pioneers are back on the road next weekend with another double shift against Alfred University and Houghton College. Friday's game with Alfred begins at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday's match at Houghton tips-off at 4 p.m.