ROCHESTER, NY – The RIT men’s basketball took on Utica College on Friday night at Clark Gymnasium. The Tigers came into the contest in a four-way tie for second place in the Empire 8 standings.

 

The Tigers fell to Utica 91-77. RIT falls to 9-8 overall and 3-3 in the Empire 8. Utica improves to 14-2 overall and 6-0 in the Empire 8.

 

RIT trailed 42-32 at the half despite shooting 50% from the floor. Kenny Gethers (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) led the Tigers with 13 first half points. Barrett Zeinfeld (Tucson, AZ/Catalina Foothills) (Tucson, AZ/Catalina Foothills) added 10 points off the bench, including two three pointers.

 

Utica came out hot in the first half, making their first five shots from the floor. The Pioneers led by as many 15 points thanks to hot shooting from the floor. Utica shot 56.7% in the first half on 17-of-30 from the floor.

The Pioneers extended their lead to 20 points in the second half. Barrett Zeinfeld (Tucson, AZ/Catalina Foothills) and Kenny Gethers (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) got RIT back in the game, cutting Utica’s lead to 10 points with five minutes to play in regulation.

 

The Tigers tried fouling late in the contest but the Pioneers made their free throws down the stretch to hold on for the win.

 

Gethers led RIT with 24 points and six rebounds. Barrett Zeinfeld (Tucson, AZ/Catalina Foothills) had 23 points off the bench.

RIT will host Hartwick College tomorrow afternoon in Empire 8 action. Game time is 4 pm.