Utica 71, Hartwick 60 - Box Score
Oneonta, N.Y. (1/18/2011) – Four different players scored in double figures as the Utica College women's basketball team defeated host Hartwick 71-60 in Empire 8 Conference action Tuesday night. The Pioneers made 18-of-20 free throws in the second half and shot 48.9 percent from the floor on the evening to earn their fourth conference victory of the season.
Utica, which has now won two in a row, improved to 8-7 overall and 4-2 in conference play. Hartwick (4-8, 1-4 E8) received a game-high 28 points from Kate Purcell in the loss.
Utica used a 16-4 run in a span of 7:10 midway through the first half to earn a ten point advantage, 22-12, with 8:47 left to play in the first half. The home team answered with a 14-5 run to cut the Pioneers' lead to one point, 27-26, with just under two minutes to go before the half. Utica managed to take a three point lead as the first half buzzer sounded.
Utica was able to hold the lead for the entire second half and used a 21-9 run in a span of 9:27 midway through the second half to take a commanding 14 point lead, 61-47, with 3:19 to go in regulation. The Hawks were able to cut the Pioneer lead to as few as eight points but the visitors made all eight of their free throws in the final two minutes to seal the 11 point victory.
Sophomore forward Meghan Fiore led the way with 20 points, while Katie McGee added 13 points and four assists. Senior guard Devon Croll and freshman guard Alyssa Filkins each added ten points for Utica, while senior All-American Jessica Berry was held to just nine points but added 15 rebounds. Casey Orlando and Danielle Busansky combined for nine points off the bench for UC.
The Pioneers return to the hardwood on Friday night when they host conference foe Nazareth College at 6 p.m.
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