Box Score
UTICA, N.Y. –The Ithaca College men's basketball team (4-9, 0-4 E8) lost a hard fought game to Utica (6-7, 1-3 E8) Saturday afternoon, falling to the Pioneers by a score of 87-73 at the Clark Athletic Center.

Senior Frank Mitchell led all Bombers with 21 points to go along with one steal, three assists and eight rebounds. Classmate Tom Sweeney scored 10 points and pulled down six boards, while freshman Leonard Davis also recorded double digits with a 10 point night in 22 minutes off the bench. Junior Max Masucci also contributed off the bench, scoring 12 points to go along with four rebounds an assist and a steal.

The Bombers shot 41.3 percent from the floor, connecting on 26-of-63 attempts, including a mark of 7-of-26 from beyond the arc. Utica converted on 30-of-61 shots from the floor, shooting 49.2 percent for the game.

The contest started with tight defense, as the score was tied at 9-9 with just over 13 minutes remaining in the opening half. Over the next three minutes, Utica scored 12-straight points to jump out to a 21-9 lead on the Bombers. The Bombers battled back, connecting on three-straight three pointers to pull within six points of Utica with six minutes remaining in the opening frame.

Despite the rally, Ithaca still trailed Utica, 45-32, at the half.

Trailing by 12 with 15:41 remaining in the second half, Ithaca scored six-straight points to pull back within six of the Pioneers. Ithaca would not get any closer in the second half, however, as solid free throw shooting down the stretch secured the 87-73 win for Utica.

Ithaca is right back in action on Jan. 14 in a road contest against Scranton. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.