UTICA, N.Y. (December 30, 2019) – The SUNY Delhi men's basketball team fell short to a talented Utica squad on Monday, as the host Pioneers made half their field goals on their way to a 92-65 decision over the Broncos to conclude the Utica College Classic. The defeat gave Delhi, now 7-5, its first losing streak of the season. The men look to get back to their winning ways with a pair of home games this week to open the new year against Hartwick Thursday and SUNY Canton Saturday.

The Broncos opened the game on an 11-4 run, but Utica answered by connecting for ten straight points. Both sides briefly exchanged leads before a 13-4 UC run gave the home team some distance on their way to a 45-34 lead at the half. The Pioneers capitalized on this by shooting 55.2 percent in the second half to pull away with the win. UC's Brett Talbert tallied a game-high 21 points, while teammate Justice Brantley scored 16 points off the bench.

Junior guard Darius Hines led the Broncos for the second straight day with 13 points, making three 3-pointers. Payton Dean earned nine points with seven rebounds, as Jared Beach totaled seven points. Delhi held a 45-35 edge in rebounds thanks in part to Bababukunmi Babalola gathering a game-high eight rebounds and Mavenson Therneus pulling in seven boards. Erhunosere Uwuigbe tallied eight points.

Dean, Justin Daoud, and Jordan Fragale each moved closer to their 1,000 career point milestones. Daoud posted two points Monday for 967 points, as Dean now has 908 points and Fragale 884 points after netting four markers against the Pioneers.

The Broncos made 32.5 percent shooting (26-for-80) and 6-of-30 threes, while Utica made 50.0 percent (30-for-60) and 8-of-20, respectively. The Pioneers also produced from the free-throw line, shooting 24-of-29 to Delhi's 7-of-9. The Broncos did outplay UC on offensive boards, 19-6, resulting in a 15-6 lead in second-chance points. The Pioneers countered with a 28-14 lead in fastbreak points.

Head coach Zack Thomsen's team hopes a return to the home court later this week will get them back on track. The Broncos welcome local rival Hartwick to Floyd L. Maines Arena Thursday, Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m., followed by future NAC foe SUNY Canton on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 4:00 p.m. Delhi is 4-1 at home this season and victorious in 14 of its last 15 home games over the last two seasons.