Utica, N.Y. – The men's basketball team (10-4, 3-2 Empire 8) lost its second straight game Tuesday, falling 72-69 at Utica. The Bombers rallied from a 16-point deficit in the final nine minutes, pulling to within two before the host Pioneers (6-7, 1-4 Empire 8) held on for the win.

The Bombers outscored Utica 20-6 over a seven-minute span late to close to within 71-69 with two minutes left. The rally – which featured five points each from junior guards Chris Cruz-Rivas (West Genesee/Syracuse) and Jordan Marcus (Solomon Schecter/West Orange, N.J.) – was capped by a three-point basket by freshman guard Eli Maravich (Chartiers Valley/Pittsburgh, Pa.). The Bombers had three chances to tie the game or take the lead, missing three three-point baskets including one with a second left in regulation.

Marcus led the Bombers with 22 points. His four three point baskets raised his career total to 100; he's the 12th Bomber to reach that milestone. Cruz-Rivas recorded his first career double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down a personal-high 12 rebounds to go along with four assists.

Junior forward Phil Barera (Belmont/Belmont, Mass.) added 15 points. Senior center Tom Brown (Bayport-Blue Point/Bayport) notched seven rebounds and eight points (making all four of his shots) of the bench. He converted lay-ups on consecutive possessions to set up Maravich's late three-pointer.

The Bombers trailed through most of the first half, with a Barera hook shot 4:19 before intermission giving them their first lead since the opening minute. Utica closed the first period on a 10-3 run and opened the second by outscoring Ithaca.

Ithaca opens a four-game homestand Friday, hosting Alfred at 8 p.m.

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