By: Provided by Utica Athletics
UTICA, NY - The Utica College men's basketball team topped the SUNY Delhi Broncos by a score of 92-65 to sweep the Utica College Classic and remain perfect at home this season. The Pioneers now sport an impressive 8-2 record heading into the new year.
Freshman point guard Brett Talbert tabbed game-highs in points (21) assists (five) and steals (three) in this contest. The Deer Park, New York native matched his scoring total from Sunday afternoon's 102-71 victory over Anna Maria, which led to him being named the tournament MVP.
Freshman forward Justice Brantley was a difference-maker in this one as well, as he had a breakout performance with a season-high 16 points. He also added three rebounds in the process.
The Pioneers created their first separation at the 9:33 mark of the first half, as they scored eight unanswered points to take their largest lead of the game, 29-19. UC worked its lead for the remainder of the half, and the team went into the locker room with a 45-34 advantage.
Halftime adjustments by head coach Sean Coffey and his staff clearly paid off, as the Pioneers kicked it into another gear coming out in the second half; they outscored the Broncos 20-6 in the first eight minutes of the half, giving them a comfortable 25-point lead with 11:55 left to play. UC built on this lead for the duration, securing its third-straight win.
Senior guard Hunter Remley was the only other Pioneer to finish in double digits, notching 11 points on two 3-pointers while grabbing five boards. Junior center Kimedrick Murphy got the job done on both ends of the court, totaling eight points and a game-high eight rebounds. Junior guard Kobe Lufkin rounded out the UC scorebook with nine points while dishing out three asssits.
UC men's basketball advances to 4-0 at home with this win and will head back on the road this Friday for a non-conference matchup against Hamilton College at 2 p.m.