GENEVA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team suffered its second loss of the season to the Hobart College Statesmen by a score of 66-53 on Saturday afternoon.
Leading the way for the Pioneers was Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) who managed 24 points (8-17 FG, 2-10 3pt, 5-8 FT) and Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) who tallied 15 points (5-16 FG, 3-9 3pt, 2-2 FT). Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) and Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) led the rebounding efforts with eight a piece, while Cain and Ryan McCardle (Hurley, NY/Kingston) each managed six. Thompson was able to spread the wealth with a team high four assists. Defensively, Cain managed to swipe away a team high five steals, while Parks managed a trio of blocks, and Teague posting a pair.
Utica set the tone defensively early with multiple stops at the rim, including blocks from Parks and Teague, but early shots wouldn't fall. After falling behind 8–0, the Pioneers found their rhythm through Cain and Thompson. Cain put Utica on the board with a three, Thompson followed with a triple of his own and two free throws, as Utica surged in front 11–10 midway through the half. Hobart responded with a scoring run of its own, but Utica stayed composed and continued to battle, getting timely buckets from Thompson, Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont), and Cain late in the half to keep the game within striking distance heading into the break.
Utica came out aggressive, opening the half with a Teague jumper and consistently attacking the paint through Cain and Thompson. The Pioneers made several pushes to close the gap, pairing defensive stops with strong ball movement while Cain continued to pressure Hobart defensively and convert at the line. Thompson knocked down a key three to keep the margin tight. Utica would be unable to close the gap down the stretch, with Hobart holding on to secure the victory.
Utica (6-2, 0-0 Empire 8) returns home to end the 2025 slate against the RPI Engineers. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center on Tuesday, December 30 is set for 3pm.
