ROCHESTER, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team fell in conference play to the Nazareth Golden Flyers by a score of 83-60 on Friday evening. 

Leading the way for the Pioneers was Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy), who scored 17 points (5-11 FG, 3-6 3PT, 4-4 FT) and added one rebound and a steal. Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) contributed 6 points (1-4 FG, 4-6 FT), three rebounds, and two assists. Devon Flynn (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) provided a spark off the bench, scoring 8 points (4-5 FG) with two rebounds and two blocks.

The first half began with a quick start from Nazareth, as the Golden Flyers jumped out to an early lead. Utica responded with a layup from Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy), but turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Nazareth to stretch its lead. A three-pointer from Hagen Foley (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers Academy) briefly gave the Pioneers momentum, cutting the deficit to single digits midway through the first half. However, Nazareth countered with a 10-2 run to regain control. At halftime, the Pioneers trailed 43-25.

In the second half, Utica came out determined, with Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) scoring on a layup and drawing a foul to spark the offense. Despite this, Nazareth maintained a double-digit lead by capitalizing on offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Key defensive stops by Devon Flynn (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook), including a block, gave the Pioneers a glimmer of hope, but they were unable to sustain a run to close the gap.

Late in the game, Utica's bench made an impact. Ryan McCardle (Hurley, NY/Kingston) hit a contested three-pointer, and Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) added a layup on a fast break, showcasing the Pioneers' depth. Despite their effort, the Golden Flyers closed the game on a 12-4 run, sealing the victory.

The Pioneers struggled with turnovers, committing 12 on the night, while their opponent took advantage with points off turnovers and fast-break opportunities. Utica also faced challenges on the boards, being outrebounded 45-20.

Utica (6-5, 0-2 Empire 8) continues its road trip tomorrow, Saturday, January 11 as the team takes on St. John Fisher. Tip off from Rochester, NY is set for 4pm.