UTICA, N.Y.  – The Elmira College men's basketball team suffered a loss in their conference opener on Friday evening to the Pioneers from Utica College, 88-46. A three-point barrage from the Pioneers which included an 11-of-19 performance in the first half helped lift the home team to the win.
 
Leading the Soaring Eagles on the offensive end was Rashaad Nurse '22 who scored 16 points while grabbing four rebounds. Quintel Clements '22 came up one-point shy of a double-double, scoring nine points while grabbing 11 rebounds.

JUST THE BASICS:
Location: Utica, New York | Clark Athletic Center
Score: Elmira: 46, Utica: 88
Records: Elmira: (2-8, 0-1 Empire 8), Utica (7-2, 1-0 Empire 8) 

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Pioneers gained a double-digit lead in the first eight minutes of the game after converting their third three at the 12:51 mark in the opening frame. Leading 20-9, Utica would use a 16-0 run over the next seven minutes of play, widening their lead to 24 with 5:31 remaining in the half. The lead would reach as many as 32 as the Pioneers converted a layup in the final seconds to carry a 51-19 lead into the break.
 
In the opening half, the Soaring Eagles converted on 7-of-26 from the floor (26.2%) compared to 55.6% for Utica.
 
In the second half, the Soaring Eagles kept the Utica lead at 32 through the first five minutes of the half before the home squad would extend its lead to as many as 44 in the game. Utica would outscore Elmira 37-27 in the second half, taking the 88-46 victory.

ELMIRA LEADERS (18-of-60, 30.0 percent from the field) 
Raashad Nurse - 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks
Quintel Clements -  9 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist

UTICA LEADERS (35-of-63, 55.6 percent from the field)  
Thomas Morreale – 17 points, 10 rebounds
Kobe Lufkin – 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
 
UP NEXT:
The Soaring Eagles will return to conference play on Tuesday when they head to Alfred for a matchup against the Saxons. Tip is set for 7:30 PM.