GENESEO, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team fell to Empire 8 Conference newcomer SUNY Geneseo in a tightly contested conference game on Tuesday evening by a score of 64-59.

Leading the way for the Pioneers was Hagen Foley (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers Academy), who scored 20 points (6-13 FG, 3-5 3PT, 5-5 FT) while contributing three rebounds and two assists. Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) added 13 points (3-13 FG, 1-6 3PT, 6-6 FT) along with three steals and three assists. Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) posted 10 points (5-11 FG), six rebounds, and one steal.

The Pioneers opened the contest strong, with Foley setting the tone early by hitting a three-pointer to even the score at 5-5. Utica's defense was relentless, forcing Geneseo into 10 first-half turnovers. Thompson then came up big with a steal and fast-break layup, keeping the Pioneers within striking distance. Foley continued to shine, scoring a tough layup halfway through the first half to tie the game again. Despite their defensive pressure, Utica trailed 29-28 at halftime after Geneseo converted two late free throws. 

Coming out of the halftime break, the Pioneers stayed aggressive in the second half, with Call and Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) battling hard in the paint. Foley completed a three-point play to cut the deficit to three points, electrifying the Utica bench. Moments later, Call hit a jumper to give the Pioneers a brief 27-26 lead. Missed opportunities and untimely turnovers hampered Utica's comeback efforts. Devon Flynn's (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) turnover led to a crucial transition basket for Geneseo, swinging momentum back to the home team. Foley's late jumper brought Utica within five, but the Pioneers couldn't close the gap as Geneseo's defense held firm in the final possessions.

Utica (7-6, 1-3 Empire 8) returns home to take on the Houghton University Highlanders. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center on Friday, January 17 is set for 7:30pm.