Men's Basketball | 2/8/2025 7:24:00 PM
UTICA, NY - The Utica Pioneers hosted Russell Sage this weekend as they honored their seniors in their annual Senior Day game. Utica went into this one on a three-game winning streak in hopes of continuing their good form. They did just that as Hagen Foley and Damien Call's dynamic scoring led the team to a 70-61 win.
Foley ended the game with 20 points, shooting 61 percent from the field and shooting a perfect 4-4 from the line. On top of leading the scoring for the Pioneers, Foley registered 3 rebounds and dished out three assists.
Call had a notable performance as well, ending the game with 18 points and an impressive ten rebounds, with nine of them being defensive. Call also had a milestone moment as he hit a free-throw for his 1000th career point.
Freshman guard Jordan Cain served as an offensive spark, coming off the bench and scoring 11 points. He shot 60 percent from beyond the arc. Dayion Thompson, who usually performs offensively, helped the team out defensively tonight, logging two steals and a block.
The Pioneers shot 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. On top of consistent shooting, Utica's defense allowed them to keep the lead for 30 minutes of the game.
The Gators opened up scoring in the first half with a layup from Sophomore forward Avery Oduro-Dompreh. Just ten seconds later, Utica's Damien Call was able to drive into the paint and finish the contested layup. Thompson started the game off hot hitting a three-pointer from the wing with his first possession, two minutes into the game. With 11 minutes to go in the half, Sage led by three but Cain tied the game after hitting a shot from beyond the arc. With eight minutes left in the half, Call was fouled on a shot, bringing him to the line. He converted on one of the free throws, giving him his 1000th career point and giving the Pioneers a three point lead. Cain was able to find the ball on the wing once again and hit his second three of the game giving the Pioneers a 25-14 lead. At the end of the half, Call led the offense, scoring 11 points and registering four rebounds. Utica's Hagen Foley trailed just behind scoring eight points and shooting 57 percent from the field. The Pioneers as a whole, shot 50 percent from the field compared to Sage's 33 percent in the first half. Going into the second half, Utica led 33-24.
The Gators guard Noah Girard opened up scoring in the second half of play with a floater from the top of the key. Four minutes into the second half, Cain continued to perform as he beat his man with a quick cross-over, spun to the basket and finished the tough layup giving him his eleventh point of the game. In Utica's next possession, big man Devon Flynn made his presence known with an offensive rebound before finishing the contested layup giving the Pioneers a 14 point lead. Utica did not take their foot off the gas, as they continued to play their fast-pace offense which led to Call finding the ball in the corner and hitting his second three of the game with 11 minutes left. One minute later, Isaiah Smith scored his first points of the game after an explosive drive between two defenders and a layup. For the rest of the game, Sage struggled to close the gap. Consistent shooting from Foley and Call in the closing minutes of the game allowed for the Pioneers to keep their lead eventually winning the game 70-61.
The Pioneers will be visiting Elmira College next week on Friday, February 14. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.