ROCHESTER, NY - Two members of the Utica University men's basketball team were named to the Empire 8 All-Tournament Team as announced by the league on Tuesday.
 
Justice Brantley (Catskill, NY/Catskill) was named the tournament's MVP after his explosive Championship game where he poured in 28 points with six rebounds and four assists. The graduate student turned in a stellar second half where he poured in 18 points to lead the Pioneers to the Empire 8 Championship win. Over the course of the tournament, he averaged 20 points per game with 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game and a 48.3 shooting percentage.
 
Thomas Morreale (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) was named to the tournament team after his stellar playoff performances averaging 18.5 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1.5 steals while shooting a lights-out 76.5 percent from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from deep. He was fantastic in the Championship game pouring in 17 points with two rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal while shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line.
 
The Utica University basketball team will face Trinity College (CT) in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Friday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m.
 
For more information regarding tickets to the game, follow https://uticapioneers.com/news/2024/2/27/mens-basketball-ncaa-first-round-tickets-to-go-on-sale-at-noon-on-tuesday-feb-27.aspx.