By: Utica College Athletics
UTICA, NY -- The Utica College women's basketball team secured its place in the Empire 8 conference tournament in a close 68-62 win over Houghton on Tuesday evening. This marks the program's first appearance in the playoffs since the 2010-11 season.
Despite leading to open the contest, UC found itself down 12-11 with 2:10 remaining in the opening quarter. It was a Nicolette Conkin three that helped the Pioneers to regain the lead, 14-12 with under a minute remaining on the clock. Sydney Przygoda extended the squad's lead to four points as she posted a layup 30 seconds later.
The duo of Brigid Johndrow and Petrina DeMarco helped Utica to maintain its momentum in the second quarter, both posting three-pointers to go up 22-12. Houghton was forced to call a timeout following a lost ball following the plays. Johndrow closed out the first half in a big way, sinking a fast break bucket to go up 31-20 heading into halftime.
The junior made her way onto the stat sheet once again in the third stanza, as she dribbled circles around the defense before making a behind-the-back layup to help her team regain its 10-point lead (39-29).
After missing on her first attempt from behind the arc, Conkin was able to sink her second attempt at 4:07 to extend the team's lead to 13 points. Utica owned a 47-39 lead heading into the final quarter.
The visitors attempted a late comeback, able to cut their point deficit to three in the first two minutes of the period. UC was able to battle back and never let its lead slip under seven in the final five minutes.
The period was riddled with timeouts, starting after a Johndrow jumper helped the Pioneers to a 58-49 lead, as the Highlanders called for a full timeout. It was the Bristol, CT native who also forced the next three timeouts by the visitors, as she went 6-for-6 from the charity stripe, effectively putting away the game.
Przygoda and Johndrow each recorded double-doubles, the former with 18 points and 13 rebounds, the latter with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Johndrow also had a team-best seven assists.
Conkin was close behind in the point count with 16 points of her own. She also owned a team-best three steals.
Utica will hit the road for its final regular season contest, set to take place Saturday at Sage. Game time is 4 p.m.