UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to the SUNY Geneseo Knights by a score of 64-27 on Saturday afternoon.

Jayla Bell (Lyons, NY/Lyons) led with six points (2-7 FG, 2-6 3pt), followed by Hall with five (1-5 FG, 1-5 3pt, 2-2 FT), and both Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central) (1-6 FG, 2-2 FT) and Madison LaDuke (Massena, NY/Massena Central) (2-3 FG) each with four. McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) led the team in rebounding with six, followed by Hall with five, and Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) with four. Defensively, Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) and LaDuke each managed a pair of steals, while Cornell registered the team's only block. 

SUNY Geneseo controlled the early tempo, opening the game with a pair of three-pointers to build an 8–0 lead. Utica settled in midway through the quarter behind perimeter shooting, as Simmons and Hall each knocked down threes to get the Pioneers on the board. A strong closing stretch helped Utica cut into the deficit, highlighted by a late fast-break layup from LaDuke and a pair of free throws by Hall. Despite the late push, Geneseo answered at the buzzer with a tip-in, taking a 22–14 advantage after one. 

Utica opened the second with energy, as Bell buried a three to trim the gap to five. Geneseo responded by going inside, converting in the paint to slow the momentum. The Pioneers generated good looks but struggled to convert consistently, while Geneseo capitalized in transition and at the line. A late jumper from Geneseo extended the Knights' lead to 31–17 heading into halftime.

Geneseo continued to dictate the pace out of the break, pushing the lead into double figures with another fast-break finish. Utica showed flashes of life defensively, forcing turnovers and getting a three from Atty to fall, but the Knights consistently answered. An inside basket and steady free-throw shooting helped Geneseo maintain separation, as the Pioneers trailed 45–22 entering the final period.

Utica continued to compete to the final horn, creating extra possessions and getting defensive stops, but Geneseo's balance proved difficult to overcome. The Knights closed the game with efficient paint scoring and strong rebounding, while Utica battled for quality looks down the stretch. Despite the final margin, the Pioneers showed resilience throughout the second half and continued to attack on both ends until the closing seconds.

Utica (5-10, 1-5 Empire 8) returns to action on Friday, January 23 as the team hosts Keuka College. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 5:30pm.