Utica, NY - Delhi men's basketball (7-4, 2-1) traveled to take on Utica in the first round of the Utica Classic Tournament on Thursday but were defeated in overtime 97-91. The Broncos had numerous spectacular individual performances as five players scored in double-digits.

The Broncos came into this game winners of their last two before the Holiday break. They would carry over the momentum, shooting an impressive 52.6% from the field in the first. Delhi was able to force seven first-half turnovers which carried over to 13 points on the other side.

The Green and Gold started to pull away late in the half, as Lester McCarthy would hit four straight three-pointers. But the Pioneers fought their way back into it, as Delhi went into the half holding a 45-42 point lead.

McCarthey would lead the way in scoring, putting up 12 points. Point guard Isiah Barnes also had a solid first half, facilitating the Bronco's strong start. He scored eight points while grabbing four rebounds and recording five assists. Senior Mavenson Therneus would join the SUNY Delhi basketball record books by securing his 1,000 point with eight first-half points.

In the second half, the Broncos and Pioneers kept battling as neither team was able to secure a big lead. The lead would change eight times as the biggest lead for any team was just five points. With 49 seconds remaining, McCarthey would hit his fifth three-pointer to pull the Broncos ahead 79-76. They would then play excellent defense forcing two Utica turnovers down the stretch. Utica would get a layup to go but then were forced to foul, sending Jacob Beach to the line. He would go on to knock both down, extending the Delhi lead back to three points. The Pioneers would get another shot, being fouled on their three-point attempt with three seconds remaining. They would knock down all three and tie up the game, sending it to overtime.

Utica would use their momentum in overtime to build a slight lead that they never would give back. The Broncos would battle foul trouble as four players had four or more. The Pioneers would outscore Delhi 16-10 in overtime to grab the hard-fought win.

The Broncos had several standout performances despite the loss. Senior Mavenson Therneus would become part of the 1,000-point club with a 12-point effort. It marks the fifth time a basketball player has reached the milestone under head coach Zack Thomsen. Isiah Barnes would also have an excellent night coming off his buzzer-beater win. Barnes would score his season-high 19 points to go along with seven rebounds and nine assists. McCarthy also scored 19 points while shooting five-for-nine from deep. Jacob Beach and Marven Louissaint would also be in the double-digits, combining for 26 points.

The Broncos will move on to the loser of Oswego St. and Emmanuel College at 1 PM in Utica on December 30th.