UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team defeated the Keuka College Wolves by a score of 77-70 on Friday evening. 
 
Three Pioneers finished in double scoring figures, led by Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) who netted a team high 22 points (6-14 FG, 1-4 3pt, 9-11 FT), followed by Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) with 18 points (6-14 FG, 6-7 FT), and Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) with 15 (5-9 FG, 1-3 3pt, 4-4 FT). Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) paced the rebounding efforts for the Pioneers, registering a team high 10 boards, followed by Teague with six, and Cain with five. Defensively, Cain led the way with four steals, while Zyon Lord (Bronx, NY/Salisbury School), Ryan McCardle (Hurley, NY/Kingston), Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont), and Griffin Barasa (Clearwater, FL/Calvary Christian) each nabbed one. Lord paced the Pioneers' activity around the rim with a pair of blocks, while Parks and Teague each swatted one away. 
 
Keuka struck first and controlled the early pace, opening the game on a 6–0 run as Utica struggled to find rhythm offensively. The Pioneers settled in midway through the half behind interior scoring from Teague and Thompson, trimming the deficit possession by possession. Utica used its defense to generate momentum, forcing multiple turnovers that led directly to points. Cain sparked the run with back-to-back steals and free throws to tie the game at 8–8, and Teague continued to attack the paint as the Pioneers worked their way in front. The teams traded baskets throughout the final stretch of the half, but Utica closed strong. Ryan McCardle (Hurley, NY/Kingston) knocked down a three and Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) finished a put-back to help the Pioneers back into a one-possession game heading into the break. 
 
Utica carried its momentum out of the locker room, opening the half with interior buckets from Cain and a three from Thompson to stretch the lead. Keuka responded with timely shooting to keep the game tight, but the Pioneers consistently answered, leaning on paint scoring and second-chance opportunities. Midway through the half, Utica created separation with a balanced stretch of scoring. Barasa buried a three, Teague continued to finish through contact, and Cain knocked down timely shots. Each Keuka run was met with a response, as Utica refused to let the visitors regain control. Down the stretch, the Pioneers were composed at the line. Cain and Thompson combined for clutch free throws in the final minute, sealing a 77–70 Utica victory. 
 
Utica (12-4, 5-2 Empire 8) returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, January 24 as the team hosts Elmira College. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 4pm.