POTSDAM, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team extended its winning streak to four games with a commanding 87-59 victory over the SUNY Potsdam Bears on Saturday afternoon.
Leading the way for the Pioneers was Hagen Foley (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers Academy) who led the offense with 18 points on flawless shooting (6-6 FG, 1-1 3PT, 5-6 FT), along with six rebounds and a block. Seidina Doukoure (Bronx, NY/The Macduffie School) delivered a well-rounded game with 16 points and 8 rebounds, consistently dominating the boards. Ethan Rivers (Madison, NY/Madison Central) contributed 11 points, adding energy with three offensive rebounds and two steals, while Levi Spina (Frankfort, NY/Frankfort Schuyler)scored 11 points, going a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line. Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) and Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) added valuable depth off the bench, combining for 14 points and eight rebounds.
The game opened with both teams trading baskets, but Utica soon found their groove with a three-pointer from Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) and a quick fast-break layup from Hagen Foley (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers Academy), establishing an early lead. Potsdam responded with a 6-0 run led by Mohammad Sylla to keep things tight, but Utica pulled away after Seidina Doukoure (Bronx, NY/The Macduffie School) converted two free throws and snagged a defensive rebound to set up another basket. Midway through the first half, Ethan Rivers (Madison, NY/Madison Central) sparked a 10-2 run for Utica with a three-pointer followed by a steal, allowing the Pioneers to open up a double-digit lead. Potsdam tried to close the gap with a pair of threes from Erik Walland Nicholas Cortez, but Utica kept up the pressure. Levi Spina (Frankfort, NY/Frankfort Schuyler) drained a three, and Doukoure dominated in the paint, scoring back-to-back layups. By halftime, Utica held a comfortable 36-27 lead.
Utica came out strong after the break, quickly widening the lead with a fast-break jumper by Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) and a three-pointer from Foley. The Pioneers' defense tightened up, forcing turnovers that translated into fast-break points. Call and Doukoure each contributed layups, and Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont) hit a corner three to put Utica up by 15. As the second half continued, Utica controlled the tempo, with Foley blocking a Potsdam layup attempt and Doukoure pushing the fast break for an easy score. The Pioneers extended their lead to 20 points with a dunk by Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) off a steal, making it nearly impossible for Potsdam to rally. In the final minutes, Utica went to the free-throw line consistently, with Spina and Rivers hitting their shots to seal the victory.
Utica (4-0, 0-0 Empire 8) returns home on Wednesday, November 20, to take on the Ithaca College Bombers. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 6pm.
