UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team defeated the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles by a score of 81-77 on Friday evening. 

Three Pioneers finished in double scoring figures, led by Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) with 20 points (5-11 FG, 3-6 3pt, 7-8 FT), followed by Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) with 16 points (5-12 FG, 6-10 FT), and Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) also with 16 points (7-11 FG, 2-4 FT). Parks paced the rebounding efforts for the Pioneers with 14 on the evening, followed by Teague with seven, and Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) with five. Defensively, Teague managed to swipe three steals on the evening, while Cain, Parks, and Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont) each nabbed a pair. Parks was active around the rim, registering a team high six blocks on the evening, while Thompson posted one of his own. 

Utica established control early by setting the tone defensively, forcing Brockport into tough shots and turnovers over the opening stretch. After a scoreless start for both teams, the Pioneers struck first at the line and quickly built momentum behind Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy), who knocked down a pair of three-pointers to spark an early run. Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) made his presence felt on both ends, protecting the rim and creating extra possessions with relentless offensive rebounding that led to multiple second-chance points. Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) consistently attacked the paint, finishing inside and drawing fouls as Utica pushed the lead to double digits midway through the half. Brockport responded late with a push of its own, trimming the margin with transition buckets and perimeter shooting, but Utica stayed composed and closed the half with a 41–35 advantage.

The contest tightened considerably after the break as Brockport increased the tempo and found success in transition, briefly erasing Utica's lead and turning the game into a back-and-forth battle. The Pioneers answered with timely responses, as Ryan McCardle (Hurley, NY/Kingston) delivered key perimeter scoring and Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont) provided energy off the bench, finishing at the rim and creating turnovers on defense. Griffin Barasa (Clearwater, FL/Calvary Christian) added important points in the middle of the half, helping Utica regain control during a critical stretch. Down the stretch, execution proved decisive, with Utica converting at the free-throw line and locking in defensively. Teague and Thompson combined for clutch scoring and free throws in the final minute, while Parks secured crucial rebounds, allowing the Pioneers to close out the 81–77 victory. 

Utica (11-3, 4-1 Empire 8) returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, as the team hosts SUNY Geneseo. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 4pm.