UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team secured a commanding 87-69 victory over Hartwick College on Friday night.

Damien Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) led the Pioneers with 18 points, five assists, and five rebounds, delivering an all-around performance. Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) followed closely with 14 points, shooting 5-for-7 from the field, while also contributing four rebounds, two assists, and four steals. Hagen Foley (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers Academy) added 13 points and five rebounds, while Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) recorded nine points and three rebounds. Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) and Ryan McCardle (Hurley, NY/Kingston) chipped in six points each, with McCardle dishing out three assists.

The first half was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging early baskets. Hartwick started strong with an aggressive offensive approach, pushing the tempo and scoring efficiently in the paint. The Hawks jumped out to multiple brief leads, however, Utica responded with a balanced scoring attack, getting key baskets from Call and Teague to keep pace. A three-pointer from Teague tied the game at 7-7, setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle. Hartwick capitalized on fast-break opportunities and second-chance points, but Thompson's ability to disrupt passing lanes resulted in multiple steals that led to transition points for Utica. The Pioneers' defensive pressure forced 10 first-half turnovers, limiting Hartwick's offensive rhythm. With just under five minutes left in the first half, Utica took control, as Call and Cain sparked a 6-0 run to give the Pioneers a slim lead. Hartwick attempted to close the gap late in the half, with Thomas hitting a three-pointer, but a late jumper by Thompson sent Utica into the locker room with a 35-33 halftime lead.

The second half belonged to Utica. The Pioneers opened the period with an immediate surge, highlighted by a fast-break dunk from Call following a steal, setting the tone for the rest of the game. From there, Utica's offense became relentless. The Pioneers shot 20-for-30 from the field in the second half, including five three-pointers, while holding Hartwick to 14-for-33  shooting. Utica's defense continued to dominate, forcing six more turnovers and limiting Hartwick's perimeter shooting. The Hawks struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, shooting just 4-for-14. The Pioneers capitalized on these stops, scoring 13 fast-break points and controlling the paint with 36 points in the lane. With just over 10 minutes remaining, Thompson drilled a three-pointer to extend Utica's lead to double digits, and the Pioneers never looked back. Foley and Teague contributed with timely mid-range jumpers, while McCardle's facilitation kept the offense moving fluidly. Utica outscored Hartwick 52-36 in the second half, with their defense generating 18 points off turnovers. The Pioneers' depth also played a crucial role, as the bench contributed 27 points, ensuring a balanced attack. In the final minutes, Utica's ball movement and clock management kept Hartwick from mounting any comeback attempts. The Pioneers closed the game strong, securing the 87-69 victory in dominant fashion.

Utica (14-7, 8-4 Empire 8) will now prepare for their next matchup on Saturday, February 8, against Russell Sage in the team's senior day. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center.