Box Score POTSDAM, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team fought back from a double-digit deficit in the first half but was unable to hold the lead in a 62-59 loss Monday against Utica in the 2010-11 season-opener for both teams at Welsh Gymnasium.

Freshman guard Greg Torchon (Spring Valley, N.Y.) nearly tied the game at the final buzzer, but his 3-point attempt hit the front of the rim.

Seniors Ben Walker (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) and Eddie Cross (Hudson, N.Y.), and junior Brad Drysdale (Brooklyn, N.Y.) registered 10 points apiece for the Bears, who grabbed 21 offensive rebounds but shot just 38.2 percent from the field compared to 53.8 percent for Utica (1-0).

“We need to do a better job of rebounding at the defensive end and just be better defensively,” Potsdam coach Sherry Dobbs said. “We definitely saw glimpses of how good we can be when we do execute.”

The Bears (0-1) scored just six points in the first 15 minutes of play and fell behind 24-12 with 2:59 left in the first half, playing against Utica's extended zone defense. Potsdam whittled the deficit to six by ending the half on a 9-3 run, highlighted by a fantastic, one-handed tip dunk by Walker. Sophomore guard Jordan McAllister (Cornwall, Ontario) made a pair of key 3-pointers to keep the Bears in the contest.

“We need to be more prepared at the beginning of games,” Dobbs said. “Our intensity level and approach are not where they need to be. We can't play for 25 minutes when there are 40 in the game.”

Potsdam grabbed the lead with 12:02 remaining in the contest at 43-40 after a 3-pointer by Cross. After a series of physical, back-and-forth possessions, Utica regained control of the game, taking a 59-52 advantage with just under three minutes to play after consecutive baskets by Jeff Ward. The Pioneers' missed free throws, combined with a crucial 3-point play by Drysdale with 45 seconds left, allowed the Bears the final chance to tie the game.

Sophomore wing Curtis Pierce (Brooklyn, N.Y.) added nine points and 13 rebounds for Potsdam.

“Curtis did a great job of getting to the glass … his effort was certainly there,” Dobbs said. “I also thought (junior guard) Skip Schwartz (eight points) gave us some energy with his 3-pointers and ability to come up with loose balls.”

The Bears resume play on Friday at 6 p.m. against St. Joseph's (Vt.) in the Casella North Country Invitational at Clarkson. The Bears return to action Saturday at either 1 p.m. or 3 p.m., pending Friday's results.