UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team is set for both its final non-conference matchup, and the team's final game of the 2025 slate on Tuesday, December 30 as the team hosts the RPI Engineers. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 3pm. 
 
Follow Along: For those unable to attend, live video can be found here, and live stats here. 
 
Last Time Out: The team suffered its second loss of the season to the Hobart College Statesmen by a score of 66-53 back on December 13. 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 apiece, 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 posted a pair.
 
Offensive Efficiency: The Pioneers enter their matchup against RPI averaging 76.5 points per game, but the Utica offensive successes are rooted in efficiency more than volume. Through the first eight games of the season, the Pioneers are managing 45.4 percent shooting from the field while generating high percentage looks and limiting empty trips down the floor. The Pioneers' shooting around the perimeter has been a major separator. Connecting on 35.5 percent of three point attempts, while holding opponents to just 37.5 percent from outside, has allowed the Pioneers to stretch opponents and create opportunities at the rim. The attack is anchored by Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) who has managed a team leading 17.3 points per game, supported by Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) and Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland), which has allowed the Pioneers different scoring options that prevents defenders from locking down just one piece of the high-powered offense. 
 
Defensive Prowess: Utica has established itself as a team that controls games defensively by dictating shot quality. Opponents have been held to less than 40 percent shooting from the field and just 27.5 percent from three point range by the Pioneers this season, forcing teams into difficult looks late in possessions. At the center of it all is Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) who has anchored the paint with his physicality. Parks averages a team leading eight rebounds per game, but his value comes from his ability to finish possessions and protect the rim. His presence discourages interior looks by opponents and allows other defenders to apply pressure. Supporting on the inside is Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) who has been an all-around defender this season. Teague has managed 7.7 rebounds per game and has already managed a team leading 19 blocks this season, setting the tone for the Pioneers' average of five blocks per game. On the outside, Cain has been the fuel behind the Pioneers' defensive pressure, with a team leading 20 steals on the season. His ability to guard at the point of attack has created turnovers and opportunities in transition for the Pioneers. 
 
Scouting RPI: The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers enter the matchup with a 7-2 overall record, including a perfect 3-0 mark in conference play, and have proven capable away from home with a 3-1 road record this season. RPI has been balanced offensively, averaging 70.4 points per game, while holding opponents to just 58.2 points per contest. Leading the Engineers offensively has been Yechiel Stewart, who is averaging 16.0 points per game while shooting an efficient 64.9% from the field. He is joined by Andrew Deppe (12.3 ppg) and PJ Scalisi (11.9 ppg). Scalisi has been the Engineers' most dangerous perimeter threat, shooting 38.1% from three, while Stewart also poses a threat from deep at 44.4% on limited attempts. On the glass, Dylan Matchett leads the way, averaging 7.8 rebounds per game. Deppe and Pat White also contribute consistently on the boards, giving the Engineers a physical interior presence. Defensively, RPI has been disruptive, averaging 8.4 steals per game. Matchett and Scalisi lead the team with 14 and 13 steals, respectively, while Deppe adds 12 steals of his own. Rim protection has been shared, with Blake Smith and Deppe each recording four blocks.
 
Up Next:  The Pioneers return to Miga Court in 2026 as the team opens its conference play against the Russell Sage College Gators. Tip off on Tuesday, January 6 is set for 7:30pm.