HOUGHTON, NY -- The Utica College women's basketball team claimed another Empire 8 contest, taking down Houghton College by eight points Friday evening, 68-60.
The contest opened in a back and forth first quarter that saw five lead changes, with the largest point differential of four points being owned by the Pioneers in the final minutes. They went on a five-point run in the final two minutes, led by a Sydney Przygoda (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) layup and free throw, paired with a layup by Nicolette Conkin (Los Altos, CA/Homestead). The run was halted with 28 seconds remaining in the stanza as the host was able to post a layup to bring themselves within two, 17-15.
The second stanza was just as competitive, with the two teams trading buckets to open, led by five points from Conkin on a made-three and a jump shot. Przygoda recorded the quarter opening layup. Despite pushback from the hosts, UC was able to enter halftime with a one point lead, 30-29.
Houghton proved to be strong in the third quarter, leading twice for a combined two and a half minutes. Conkin helped to regain the lead at one point with a behind the arc basket. The Los Altos, CA native posted a layup to pair with a three by Petrina DeMarco (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) to close out the stanza with a 48-44 lead.
The Pioneers posted another five-point run in the final period of play to ensure its victory, occurring in a one minute span. Przygoda added a free throw and a layup in the run, while Brigid Johndrow (Bristol, CT/St. Paul Catholic) posted a pair of free throws of her own to put their squad up 57-48 with seven minutes remaining. Przygoda had the final points for UC, posting a pair of free throw buckets in the final eight seconds. The Freehold, NJ native finished the day 6-for-10 from the charity stripe.
Przygoda led her team in scoring, collecting a team-best 26 points and added 10 rebounds for her 13th double-double of the season. She played in all 40 minutes for her squad.
Conkin followed in the points category, contributing 17 of her own. The guard helped to fuel Utica's defensive efforts with a team-best four steals.
UC remains on the road as it travels to Alfred University for a 4 p.m. contest on Saturday.
