ROCHESTER, NY - The Utica University men's basketball fell to the Nazareth University Golden Flyers in the final seconds of the contest, by a score of 69-66 on Friday evening.
Three Pioneers finished in double scoring figures in Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) who led the team with 19 points (8-10 FG, 3-5 FT), followed by Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) with 18 (4-11 FG, 10-11 FT), and Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) with 16 (5-13 FG, 1-3 3pt, 5-6 FT). Teague paced the rebounding effort for the Pioneers with a team high 16 boards, for his second double-double of the season, while Parks notched his seventh double-double of the season with 10 rebounds. Defensively, Teague led the way with a pair of blocks, while Thompson, Parks, and Ryan McCardle (Hurley, NY/Kingston) each tallied one of their own, while Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) swiped the team's only steal.
Utica weathered an early turnover-filled opening before settling in and trading punches with Nazareth throughout a back-and-forth first half. After falling behind 5–0, the Pioneers found their footing behind strong interior play from Parks and a steady presence on the glass from Teague. Utica briefly grabbed the lead midway through the half and used balanced scoring to stay within striking distance, but Nazareth closed the opening period on a late run to carry a 35–31 advantage into the break.
The Pioneers opened the second half with renewed energy, quickly erasing the deficit as Parks and Teague combined to pull Utica even. Thompson sparked a transition push, and the teams traded leads repeatedly through the middle stretch. Griffin Barasa (Clearwater, FL/Calvary Christian) and Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont) provided key scoring off the bench as Utica surged ahead by as many as three, highlighted by a 51–48 advantage just past the midway point. Down the stretch, neither side could gain separation. Teague continued to attack the paint and convert at the line, while Thompson delivered timely buckets to keep Utica in front during the final minutes. The contest came down to late possessions and free throws, where Nazareth capitalized in transition to edge ahead in the closing seconds. Utica had chances at the rim in the final moments but couldn't convert, as Nazareth sealed the game at the stripe for a 69–66 finish.
Utica (14-5, 7-3 Empire 8) returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, January 31 as the team takes on St. John Fisher. Tip off from Rochester, NY is set for 4pm.
