Utica, NY -- Following a canceled game against Elmira, the Pioneers have two games this weekend, Alfred University on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and then Houghton on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
 
Autism Speaks Game: The Utica College men's basketball team is dedicating Friday's contest to support Autism Speaks Coaches Powering Forward. Throughout the NCAA during this weekend's basketball games, more than 350 coaches across the nation will be wearing blue Autism Speaks puzzle piece pins. Autism Speaks wishes to increase the understanding and acceptance of those with autism with hopes to enhance the lives of the 70 million people worldwide diagnosed with autism.
 
Senior Night: Saturday's matchup with Houghton College will be Senior Night for the Pioneers. There will be a short ceremony prior to tip-off to honor senior Justin Mayers (Hastings, NY/Hastings on the Hudson) for his time and commitment to the program over his four years at Utica.
 
Last Time Out: The Pioneers fell to 12-10 overall after dropping a 78-57 decision in Rochester to Nazareth. Justin Strielkauskas (Waterbury, CT/Holy Cross) and De'andrae McFarlane (Elizabeth, NJ/Union) led the Pioneers in scoring with eight points each in the loss. Kimedrick Murphy (Hudson, NY/Hudson) finished with six points and a team-high seven rebounds.
 
A Look at the Empire 8: UC is currently in fifth place in the Empire 8 conference standings with a 6-7 record in-conference. The team is chasing Stevens, currently fourth in the conference, who has an E8 mark of 8-7 with one game remaining to play. Utica will have to win out in its final three contests to have a chance to jump over Stevens in the standings and earn a spot in the conference tournament.
 
Defense Matters: Utica is third in the Empire 8 in points against per game, allowing 73.9 points per game. Only Stevens (70.5) and Alfred (71.6) are allowing fewer points per game this season among conference competitors.
 
Leading the Court: Sophomore point guard Shawn Gashi (Central Square, NY/Bishop Grimes) currently leads the Pioneers in scoring with 16.2 points per game. His offensive production has placed him in a tie for fourth in the Empire 8 conference in scoring.
 
Defending Your House: UC holds a 6-4 record inside the friendly confines of the Harold T. Clark Athletic Center, and have only lost one home game against conference opponents.
 
Scouting Alfred: Alfred comes to Utica riding an eight-game winning streak and holding first place in the Empire 8. Alfred is led by senior Dom LeMorta who is third in the conference in scoring, averaging 18.0 points per game. LeMorta is second in three-point field goals made, tallying 68 makes from beyond the arc this season. Scotty Stopera is second in the E8 with 123 total assists, and teammate Sage Brown is a top 10 rebounder.
 
Last Time vs Alfred: The Pioneers lost to Alfred by a score of 74-64 when the two teams last played on January 11^th. UC trailed the Saxons 38-28 at the half, and was unable to seize control of the lead despite a stronger second half. Justin Mayers (Hastings, NY/Hastings on the Hudson) led Utica with 16 points, while freshmen Darius Hopkins (Tampa, FL/Seffner Christian) had 12 and De'andrae McFarlane (Elizabeth, NJ/Union) scored 10.
 
Scouting Houghton: Houghton has lost 13 games in a row heading into its game on Friday versus Nazareth. Jordan Holmes leads the Highlanders, with a team-best 15 points per game average and shooting the conference's third best free throw percentage of 83.1%.

Last Time vs Houghton: The Pioneers defeated Houghton on January 12^th, with a final score of 77-58. Utica held a healthy 11-point lead at halftime and never looked back as the team outscored the Highlanders, 42-32, in the second half. 12 different UC players tallied points in the win, with just two players reaching double figures. Tyler Jollie (Marlboro, NY/Marlboro) led the Pioneers with 11 points and Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) was close behind with 10 points.
  
Looking Ahead: The Pioneers remain home to take on the Soaring Eagles from Elmira on Tuesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.