UTICA, N.Y. – The Wildcat Men's basketball team opened up the 2012-13 season on Tuesday against crosstown rival Utica College. The Game was an exciting one to watch, but Utica was able to jump ahead in the second half and didn't look back.

The big bright spot for the Wildcats in the loss was the offensive showing from junior Alex Drake (Lansingville, NY / Lansingburghand) and junior Desmian Greer (Washington Heights, NY / Chesire Acadamy). Both players dropped 20-plus points in their first games wearing the Wildcat blue. Drake went for 21 points and shot 50% (5-10) from 3 point land. Alex led the Wildcats in points, assists, and steals. Greer went for 20 points and also made 50% of his 3 point attempts (3-6).

The Wildcats as a team played very good on the offensive side. They shot 43% from the field, 45% from behind the 3 point line and recorded 13 offensive rebounds. The turnovers (16 by the Wildcats), and the hot shooting (56%) by Utica College were what cost the Wildcats their opening game win.  

SUNYIT Assistant Coach Dan Benz had this to say after the game. "Our guys really played hard tonight, and we did some really good things offensively in the first half. They[Utica] were able to get out in transition and that hurt us in the second half - we need to make a better commitment to the defensive side of the ball and that's something we will certainly be working on before another tough game on the road once we get back from break."

The Wildcat's next game will be at Union college on Wednesday 11/28/2012 at 8:00pm.