Iton Reaches 1,000 Career Points
Utica, NY – The Utica College men's basketball team improved to 6-6 overall and 1-2 in E8 play, after defeating Hartwick by a score of 84-71. Early on in the second half, Ivan Iton was able to score the 1,000th point of his career as a Pioneer.
Hunter Remley got off to a strong start, scoring eight points in the first six minutes to help give UC an early 11-9 lead. The Pioneers would go on a 9-0 run in the span of just 3:11, to stretch their lead to 26-16 with 7:03 until halftime. Hartwick would answer with a quick 9-1 run of their own, cutting Utica's lead to just two points. UC closed the half on an 11-0 run, thanks to three consecutive 3-point baskets, giving the team a 38-25 halftime advantage. Remley poured in 18 points in the first half, shooting 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.
These two Empire 8 adversaries would go back and forth throughout the second half of play. Utica would remain in control of the lead throughout the second half, never allowing the Hawks to cut the lead to single-digits. The Pioneers would cruise to a 13-point victory, as they earn the team's first win against a conference opponent so far this season.
Hunter Remley led UC in scoring, finishing with 23 points in the contest. Ivan Iton not only surpassed the 1,000 point mark for his career in the game, but he also finished with a double-double on 18 points and 11 rebounds. Bennito Ayarza tallied 19 points and five assits, while Carl Taylor recorded a stat line of seven points, seven assists, and 11 boards.
Hartwick drops to 4-8 overall and 1-2 in E8 competition after the loss. Kevin Townes poured in a game-high 25 points for the Hawks. Brandon LaForest finished with 19 points and five assists, while teammate Corey Baker added 11 points of his own.