UTICA, N.Y. - The SUNYIT Wildcats lost to cross-town rival Utica College this evening, resulting in a pinching 71-70 loss. The Wildcats now fall to a 1-9 overall record while the Pioneers improve to 4-6 on the season.
Forward rookie, T'Andre Richardson (Fr., Utica, N.Y. / Utica-Proctor) led the Wildcats' effort with 17 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Junior guard Yhashin White (Brooklyn, N.Y./Canarsie) also contributed with 17 points. First-year junior point guard Sejad Gromilic (Bosnia / Utica-Proctor) registered 15 points and had six rebounds and led the team in assists with five. Junior forward, Derek Rowe (Mexico, N.Y./Mexico Academy) had a total of nine points and seven rebounds while contributing three assists and three steals.
After trailing for most of the game, the Pioneers fought back with the offensive effort led by junior forward Jeff Ward (Ossining, N.Y./Ossining) who put away 24 points and registered seven rebounds for the win. Junior guard Matt Baldwin (Gloversville, N.Y./Gloversville) had 16 points, contributed four assists and four rebounds. Senior guard Marlon Davidson aided in the comeback with 12 points and led in assists with five, while sophomore guard Chris Jeffers (Albany, N.Y./Bishop Maginn) registered nine points and four assists.
The Wildcats take on Penn State Harrisburg in their first North Eastern Athletic Conference match-up of the season this Saturday January 7th. A 1 p.m. tip-off is scheduled in the Campus Center Gymnasium.
