ELMIRA, NY – The Elmira College Soaring Eagles battled through a defensive showdown against Utica in the second-half before dominating in overtime to secure a 61-50 victory on Friday night at Speidel Gymnasium.
JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Elmira 61, Utica 50 (OT)
LOCATION: Elmira, New York | Speidel Gymnasium
RECORDS: Elmira (10-13, 4-10 Empire 8), Utica (3-20, 1-13 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Both teams struggled offensively in a low-scoring first half, with Utica holding a slight 20-19 lead at the break. Neither side found their rhythm early, as Elmira shot just 22.2% from the field in the first two quarters, while Utica managed just one three-pointer all game (1-19, 5.3%).
- The game remained close through the third quarter, with Utica maintaining a 32-30 advantage heading into the final period. However, Elmira started to gain momentum behind Amarionah Dixon '26, who led all scorers with 17 points and six rebounds.
- In the fourth, Nevaeh Winston '25 (eight points, seven rebounds) and Laura Bogota '25 (nine points, four assists, three steals) made key plays to keep Elmira in contention, forcing overtime at 46-46.
- Elmira took complete control in the extra period, outscoring Utica 15-4. Taylor Jung '25 (seven points, nine rebounds) and Aynsley Belcher '28 (eight points, three rebounds) provided strong defensive efforts, while Emma Ryan '28 and D'Asia Jones '25 combined for eight points off the bench.
- The Soaring Eagles shot 9-for-10 from the free-throw line in overtime, sealing the conference win.
UP NEXT: The Soaring Eagles look to build on this win as they continue Empire 8 play against SUNY Poly on Saturday, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Elmira will recognize eight members of the Class of 2025 before its contest against the Wildcats.
