UTICA, N.Y. – The Elmira College Men's Basketball dropped its Friday evening decision to the hosts from Utica University, 72-53. Utica, who sits atop the Empire 8 standings, utilized the deep ball en route to its victory, converting ten times from beyond the arc compared to just three for the Soaring Eagles. Riley Spencer would pace the Purple & Gold with ten second half points, while finishing the game with 15 to lead all Elmira scorers.

Leading by nine at the break, the Pioneers would open the second half on a 21-5 run over the first six minutes, quickly increasing its lead to 25 points. The lead would prove to be the largest of the contest for the home squad before the Soaring Eagles outscored the opposition by six points the remainder of the way. 

Elmira would struggle on the defensive glass, as the Pioneers were able to collect 18 offensive rebounds which resulted in a 12-7 advantage in second chance points. Scoring just eight points of its own off Utica turnovers, the Soaring Eagles would turn the ball over 22 times, resulting in 32 points for Utica. 

For the contest, the Purple & Gold (40.4%) would convert on a better shooting percentage from the field compared to the Pioneers (36.9%), largely due to its success in the paint where Elmira would score 28 points.

JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Elmira 53, Utica 72
LOCATION: Utica, New York | Clark Athletic Center
TEAM RECORDS: Elmira (2-11, 1-5 Empire 8), Utica (11-2, 6-0 Empire 8)

ELMIRA LEADERS (19-of-47, 40.4% from the floor)
Riley Spencer - 15 points, 1 rebound
Tyler Cardello - 11 points, 4 rebounds

UTICA LEADERS (24-of-65, 36.9% from the floor)
Justice Brantley - 21 points, 9 rebounds
Thomas Morreale - 21 points, 5 rebounds

UP NEXT:
The Soaring Eagles return to the court tomorrow afternoon when taking on the Wolves from Keuka College. Tipoff is set for 4:00 PM on the campus of Keuka.