UTICA, NY - The Utica College men's basketball controlled the second half and shot 12-for-15 from the free throw line to help pull away from the Alfred University Saxons for a 64-51 home win. 
 
The first half was a bit of a struggle for both teams as Utica shot 35 percent from the floor and Alfred 21.8 percent to have the teams knotted at 20 entering the second half. The first 11 minutes of the final frame consisted of neither side going ahead by more than three points. Quick possessions from both teams kept it a fast-paced game which didn't bother Kobe Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle), who was a crucial piece in the second half with his dead-eye shooting and the team's 70 percent second half shooting. 
 
With the Pioneers leading 42-41, Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) found a wide-open Griffin Barasa (Clearwater, FL/Calvary Christian) in the corner for an easy three to give UC its largest lead of the second half at the time at 45-41. From there, it was Chris Green (White Plains, NY/Alexander Hamilton), Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) and from the line, Darius Hopkins (Tampa, FL/Seffner Christian), to help pull away with Alfred turning to fouls to stay in the game. 
 
Hopkins led the team with 17 points while going 4-for-4 from the line. Lufkin totaled 16 on 5-for-6 three-point shooting and Coston scored eight points and came away with six boards. Kimedrick Murphy (Hudson, NY/Hudson) finished with a team high seven rebounds and added four points, three assists and two steals and blocks each to his stat line.
 
UC (11-3, 5-1 Empire 8) returns to action tomorrow at 4 p.m. at home against Houghton College for the Real Men Wear Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Game. There will be a 50/50 raffle for UC merchandise while donations will also be accepted. All proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society.