99 SPORTS FEATURE GAME ON 99.3 FM WSNN

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UTICA 62, POTSDAM 59

The Bears fall in their home opener after gaining a second half lead that they were unable to hold on.

Tight defense by both teams created a low scoring first half to start but came around as Utica built a six point halftime lead. Down by 12 at one point, Potsdam came back to take a lead at 43-40 with an Ed Cross three pointer and built a 45-40 lead before the Pioneers came on to tie the game at 51-51.

Utica's Will Abrams tallied 11 second points including knocking down several shots to break the late tie. Down 59-52, Potsdam managed to close the gap to 61-59 with under a minute to play as Utica got the ball back with 28 seconds to go.  The Bears forced a bad shot with six seconds left but did not retrieve the rebound and were forced to foul to keep the game alive. After a free throw make by Abrams,he missed the second one, the rebound came down for the Bears but they missed a three pointer at the buzzer to end the game.

Abrams and James Patterson each scored 16 for the Pioneers while Kevin Johnson added 10. For Potsdam Brad Drysdale, Ben Walker, and Cross each scored 10 in the loss

99 SPORTS FEATURE GAME ON 99.3 FM WSNN

WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UTICA 66, POTSDAM 48

A strong start in each half helps Utica to a non-league win over SUNY Potsdam.

The Pioneers built a 24-11 first half lead and led by 11 at halftime as Jessica Berry produced a near double double in the first half with 13 points and 8 boards. A 13-2 start to the second half secured the win as Berry finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds and Devon Croll 16 points and two three pointers. Meghan Fiore scored 14 points off the bench

For Potsdam, Aimee Kellicutt talled 19 points wirh 10 coming in the frist half shooting 5 for 5 from the floor at that point and 8 for 12 in the game.

Potsdam next faces St. Lawrence on Wednesday.