| 2/10/2007 10:06:45 PM

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UTICA, NY -- The RIT men's basketball team avenged an earlier loss to Utica with a 66-61 win over the Pioneers on Saturday afternoon in Utica, New York. Barrett Zeinfeld (Tucson, AZ/Catalina Foothills) (Tucson, AZ/Catalina Foothills) led all scorers with 17 points. RIT improves to 13-10 overall and 7-5 in the Empire 8.

RIT took a 33-31 lead at half time thanks to some balanced scoring. Tim Bacon (Massena. NY/Massena), Rick Whitwood (Wellsville, NY/Wellsville) and Barrett Zeinfeld (Tucson, AZ/Catalina Foothills) each had six points as RIT shot 43.8% from the floor.

The Tigers held Utica to 34.4% shooting in the first half and forced the Pioneers into eight turnovers.

The Tigers opened up a 42-34 lead three and a half minutes into the half, forcing the Pioneers into some tough shots. 

Utica responded with a 13-2 run sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from freshman Patrick Goodman and Ray Bryant,  giving the Pioneers a 47-44 lead with 12:51 left to play.

RIT responded and took the lead back for good on a pair of free throws by Zeinfeld with 4:33 to play in regulation, giving the Tigers a 54-55.

The Tigers were able to hold onto the lead, handing Utica their second conference loss of the season.

Tim Bacon (Massena. NY/Massena) (Massena, NY) had 13 points and Rick Whitwood (Wellsville, NY/Wellsville) (Wellsville, NY) added 11 points and six rebounds to help pace the Tigers. Kenny Gethers (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) added 10 points and five rebounds.

RIT will close out the regular season next weekend when they host Elmira College and Ithaca College on Friday and Saturday.