Utica 72, Nazareth 67 - Box Score

Rochester, N.Y. (2/19/2011) – The Utica College women's basketball team closed out its regular season schedule with a win 72-67 victory over Empire 8 Conference rival Nazareth College Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers, who will travel to top-seeded Ithaca College on next Friday night for the semi-final game of the conference tournament, improved to 15-10 overall and 11-5 in the E8. Senior forward Jessica Berry and sophomore Meghan Fiore combined for 44 points and 14 rebounds to pace the Pioneers.

Nazareth closed out its campaign with a 8-17 overall record, including a 4-12 mark in conference play. The Golden Flyers were led by Brittany Wilson's 28 points and eight rebound rebounds.

UC jumped out to a ten point lead over the course of the first 6:50 of the contest to take a 19-9 lead. The Pioneers then went on a 12-6 run to take a commanding 16 point lead, 31-15, with 7:35 to go in the first half of play. Nazareth managed to cut the lead to five points and the score stood at 38-27 in favor of the Pioneers at the half.

Junior point guard Katie McGee kicked off the second half with a 3-pointer to extend UC's lead to 14 points before the home team made its run. Nazareth used a 21-7 spurt in a span of 10:34 to knot the score at 48-48 with 9:13 to go in the contest. The score tied again at 50-50 before UC made a final push for the victory. UC used a 14-5 run to take a nine point lead, 64-55, with just under three minutes to go. Naz was able to cut the Pioneer lead to three points with 1:13 to go but Fiore and McGee combined for six points down the stretch to seal the conference victory.

McGee and senior guard Devon Croll each finished the day with 14 points, while freshman Alyssa Filkins chipped in with two of her own. Croll also added a game-high nine rebounds and four assists.

Nazareth's Katie Kollar added 14 points off the bench for Nazareth.

The Pioneers finished the day shooting 45.6 percent from the floor.

UC's semi-final game at conference regular season champion Ithaca College will begin at 6 p.m. Check www.ucpioneers.com for links to live video, audio and stats.

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