Rochester, NY – EC Men's Basketball dropped a close game today in Empire 8 action to the Tigers of RIT, 68-63. Elmira struggled early in the contest but found their rhythm as the game progressed, making things interesting down the stretch.
In the first half RIT would jump out to a quick 16-3 lead. The Tigers would go up by as many as 17 in the first half before EC steadily cut the lead down to 6 at one point and then 8 entering the half. Kurt Dutcher '14 (Gaylord, MI -- Gaylord) led the way off the bench for Elmira as he scored 8 points and grabbed 3 boards.
Elmira would open the second half with a 13-to-2 run to take a 3 point lead on a Bobby DiPiazza '11 (Wyckoff, NJ -- Bergen Catholic) three pointer. RIT would reclaim the lead two possessions later. EC would take their last lead at the 10:52 mark of the second half. The Tigers would maintain a lead for the remainder of the half with EC coming to within one-point with 5:30 left in the contest. With forty-four seconds left Elmira would go on a 7-2 run but it would no tbe enough as RIT would walk away victorious, 68-63.
EC was led by fourth year players Zach Simpson '11 (Savona, NY -- Campbell-Savona) and DiPiazza as the duo both scored a team high 17 points. Dutcher finished the contest with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in an effort off the bench.
With the loss Elmira falls to 1-9 overall but will look to bounce back as they host the Continentals of Hamilton College on Saturday, December 11th. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
Elmira College 63 RIT 68
