UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team set a new single-season program record with its 16th Empire 8 win of the year following its 73-66 win over Medaille University on Friday. 
 
Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) did it all for the Pioneers in the game with a team-high 18 points (8-9 FG, 2-2 3PT) with six rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) added 12 points and three assists while Darius Hopkins (Tampa, FL/Seffner Christian) and Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) each had 10 points. 
 
After the Mavericks drew first blood, Avery Coston (Kerhonkson, NY/Rondout Valley) and Justice Brantley (Catskill, NY/Catskill) paved the way for a 10-0 Utica run in less than two minutes for a quick 8 point edge. However, Medaille kept its nose within striking distance after a swift 12-2 run of its own to eventually go up 14-12. 
 
The Pioneers answered back as a nine point burst out of Luke Bourgault (Troy, NY/LaSalle Institute) helped propel the team to a 27-21 lead. Once again, the Mavericks came right back as Utica eventually took a 39-34 lead into halftime. 
 
The teams remained in a back-and-forth battle throughout much of the second half. A 39-34 Utica lead turned into a 47-42 Medaille edge before the Pioneers chipped back to even the score at 49-49 with under 15 minutes to play. 
 
At that point, Medaille scored six quick points to reclaim the lead before Call scored seven straight points to put the Pioneers back on top. The Mavericks regained the lead at 59-58 right after Call's run which would be the last lead the visitors would have. 
 
A pair of Hopkins free throws sparked what would be a game-ending 15-7 run over the final six minutes to fend off Medaille. 
 
Utica (21-3, 16-1 Empire 8) will host Houghton University at 4 p.m. on Saturday for its regular season finale.