UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team took down the St. John Fisher Cardinals in dominant fashion by a score of 89-55 on Friday evening. 
 
Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) led the charge for Utica with 19 points, shooting an impressive 5-for-9 from three-point range, while also contributing three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Hagen Foley (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers Academy) followed closely with 16 points, knocking down three three-pointers and adding five assists and three rebounds to his stat line. Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) was a force inside and out, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) added 11 points with two three-pointers. Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) showcased his all-around game, tallying eight points, a game-high seven assists, and five rebounds in the contest. 
 
The game started with Utica setting the tone early, opening with a three-pointer from Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy). Their strong perimeter shooting, coupled with fast-break opportunities, helped them build an early lead. St. John Fisher struggled to respond, missing several contested shots and turning the ball over frequently. The Pioneers' fast-paced offense quickly overwhelmed St. John Fisher, who struggled to keep up. Utica's defensive pressure was relentless, forcing 10 first-half turnovers, which led to easy fast-break opportunities. By the midpoint of the first half, Utica had already hit multiple three-pointers, with Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) and Hagen Foley (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers Academy) contributing offensively. Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) facilitated the offense well, dishing out assists and securing rebounds. At halftime, Utica led 38-28, with their defense forcing mistakes and their three-point shooting making the difference.
 
Utica came out of the locker room with even more intensity, quickly extending their lead with a dunk from Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) off a steal. They dominated the pace, capitalizing on second-chance points and transition buckets. St. John Fisher's offense continued to struggle, shooting just 11-for-31 from the field in the second half, including 2-for-12 from beyond the arc. Their ball movement improved slightly, but Utica's defense remained active, forcing six more turnovers and blocking key shot attempts. Meanwhile, Utica's offense exploded, scoring 51 points in the second half thanks to seven three-pointers and an efficient shooting performance inside the arc. Thompson led the charge, hitting clutch shots from deep, while Teague and Foley continued their strong all-around play.
 
Utica (12-7, 6-4 Empire 8) turns its attention to Saturday, February 1 as the team takes on the Nazareth University Golden Flyers. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 4pm.