UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team took home its second straight conference victory this afternoon as the team took down the Alfred University Saxons by a score of 68-56.

Four Pioneers finished in double figures in scoring. Hagen Foley (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers Academy) (19), Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) (15), Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) (13) and Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) (10) each finished with double figures. Call was the team's leading rebounder with nine, followed by Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) with eight. Call was also able to spread the wealth by dishing out three assists. Both Teague and Thompson each recorded a block, while Teague, Cain, and Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont) each swiped at least one steal. 

The opening frame saw Utica make a statement early, with Levi Spina (Frankfort, NY/Frankfort Schuyler) tying the game at 2-2 with a quick jumper in the paint just over a minute into the contest. Alfred would respond, briefly taking the lead, but Utica quickly regained control with a smooth jumper from Call to make it 6-5. A critical three-pointer from Thompson gave Utica a 9-8 advantage, setting the tone for their relentless offense. The Pioneers' ball movement had Alfred's defense on its heels, and Cain added a spark off the bench, hitting a three-pointer to extend Utica's lead to 21-19. As the half wound down, Smith intercepted a careless Alfred pass and converted two free throws, giving Utica a 23-19 lead. With the crowd on their feet, Cain's and-one play sent Utica into the break with a 35-32 lead.

Coming out of halftime, Utica continued to control the pace. Foley immediately made his presence known, hitting two quick three-pointers, pushing the lead to 41-35. Utica's defense tightened, forcing Alfred into contested shots and grabbing key defensive rebounds, led by Call. Then, Foley converted a layup assisted by Teague, extending the lead to 45-35. Midway through the second half, Utica's offense remained sharp, with Thompson hitting key free throws. Despite Alfred's efforts, a late push by the Saxons fell short, and Utica maintained control. Late in the half, Cain's clutch free throws made it 66-54, putting the game out of reach. The Pioneers sealed the victory with Call grabbing an offensive rebound that led to Cain's game-clinching layup with just 42 seconds remaining.

Utica (9-6, 3-3 Empire 8) returns to action on Friday, January 24 as the team takes on the Hartwick College Hawks. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 7:30pm.