UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team is set for a weekend road trip this week. On Friday, February 13, the team will travel to take on SUNY Geneseo with a tip off slated for 7:30pm from Geneseo, NY. On Saturday, February 14, the team will take on the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles with a tip off slated for 4pm from Brockport, NY
 
Follow Along: For those unable to attend, live video for Friday's matchup can be found here, and live stats here. Live video for Saturday's matchup can be found here and live stats here. 
 
Last Time Out: The team topped the Houghton University Highlanders 86-76 in the team's senior day showdown Saturday evening. Four Pioneers scored in double digit figures, highlighted by a big night from Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland), who poured in 21 points (9-15 FG, 1-2 3pt, 2-4 FT). Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) followed with 18 points (8-14 FG, 2-3 3pt), Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) added 14 points (7-9 FG), and Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) chipped in 11 points (5-14 FG, 1-4 3pt). Parks dominated the glass with 18 rebounds, Cain pulled down seven, and Thompson collected four. Defensively, Cain and Teague each came up with three steals, with Ryan McCardle (Hurley, NY/Kingston) adding two, while Parks protected the rim with three blocks, and both Ben Wittman (Sherrill, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) and Teague contributed two a piece.
 
Clinched!: The chase for the Pioneers' third consecutive conference title is set to begin. For the seventh consecutive season, the Pioneers have clinched a spot in the 2026 Empire 8 Conference Men's Basketball Tournament. This appearance marks the 14th time the Pioneers have made it into the conference tournament, with the first appearance dating back to the 2003-04 season in which the Empire 8 held its first men's basketball postseason tournament. The tournament will be held from February 21-28, with the higher seeds hosting quarter and semifinal matchups, with the highest remaining seed hosting the championship. More information regarding the playoffs will be announced as it is available. 
 
Teague's Time: Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) turned in a highly efficient and impactful two-game week last week for Utica, averaging 17.0 points per game while shooting an outstanding 60.0 percent from the field across matchups against Alfred and Houghton. In over 32 minutes per game, Teague consistently produced on both ends of the floor, scoring 34 total points on just 25 shot attempts while adding 10 rebounds, five steals, and two blocks. Teague opened the week with an all-around performance against Alfred, finishing with 13 points and eight rebounds and followed that effort with a breakout showing against Houghton, pouring in 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding three steals and two blocks. For the week, Teague averaged five rebounds, 2.5 steals, and one block per game.
 
Scouting Geneseo: Geneseo enters the matchup as one of the most balanced teams in the Empire 8, sitting at 13–9 overall and 9–4 in conference play, with a +2.2 scoring margin. The Knights average 76.5 points per game while holding opponents to 74.2, while shooting 47.7 percent from the floor, ranking among the league's more efficient offenses. Offensively, the Knights are led by Josh Garelle who averages 16.2 points per game and averages 6.8 rebounds per game. Garell finishes at a high rate shooting .547 from the floor and draws fouls consistently, getting to the free-throw line nearly seven times per game. Robert Pericolosi provides a steady second option at 14.4 points per game, impacting the game on both ends while leading the team in rebounds, averaging 7.7 per game. On the perimeter, Trevor Hofer is Geneseo's primary shooting threat off the bench, knocking down 48.9 percent from three. Defensively, the Knights generate 7.7 steals per game and force opponents into 14 turnovers, using pressure to create transition opportunities. While they are outblocked by opponents, Geneseo compensates by ranking near the top of the conference in turnover margin (+2.2) and assist-to-turnover ratio. The Pioneers have already squared off against the Knights once this season, with the Knights taking the closely contested matchup by a score of 77-74 in an overtime bout. This matchup proves pivotal for the Pioneers, as the overtime loss to Geneseo earlier this season has given the Knights the top tiebreaker over Utica. With the battle for top seeding and the ability to host playoff games on the line, the Pioneers will look to avenge the earlier loss and continue to maintain the team's advantage in the Empire 8 standings. 
 
Breaking Down Brockport: Brockport enters the matchup sitting at 11–11 overall and 7–6 in Empire 8 play. The Golden Eagles average 76.6 points per game but allow nearly the same (76.8), reflecting a fast pace and aggressive style on both ends. Brockport's identity is built around forcing turnovers and generating extra possessions, ranking among the league leaders with over 11.5 steals per game and a +4.1 turnover margin. Offensively, Brockport features a balanced attack with multiple double-figure scorers. Jacob Oka, who averaged 13.3 points per game anchors the frontcourt with physical finishes and consistent rebounding, averaging a team leading 5.7 rebounds per game. Camron Dyer (11.5 PPG) and Pharell Aybar (10.3 PPG) add secondary scoring and playmaking, with Aybar leading the team in assists. Brockport pushes the tempo and attacks early, averaging 15.4 assists per game, but efficiency can fluctuate, as the team shoots 42.8 percent from the floor. Defensively, the Golden Eagles are disruptive, averaging 3.8 blocks per game and turning defense into offense, generating a conference leading 11.91 steals per game, and forcing opponents into 18.5 total turnovers. Earlier this season, the Pioneers squared off against the Golden Eagles on Miga Court, with the Pioneers taking the matchup by a score of 81-77. 
 
Up Next: The Pioneers return to Miga Court for the team's final regular season matchup, a cross-town showdown with SUNY Poly. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center on Tuesday, February 17 is set for 7:30pm.