POTSDAM, N.Y.—Utica University (4-0) used a big second half to defeat the SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team (0-3) 87-59 on Saturday afternoon in the Bears home opener.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• After sophomore guard Nicholas Cortez (Harlem, N.Y./La Salle Academy) scored the first points of the game, but Utica responded with a 7-0 run.
• A Cortez jumper put the Bears back up 13-11, but the Pioneers closed the half on a 25-16 run and led 36-27 at the half.
• Utica pulled away in the second half, outscoring Potsdam 51-32 for the 87-59 final.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Pioneers shot a scorching 56.4-percent from the floor while holding Potsdam to 35.3.
• Utica also controlled the glass with a 43-23 advantage in rebounds.
• Sophomore guard Mohammad Sylla (Bronx, N.Y./Darrow) led the Bears with 19 points, six boards, four steals and four assists.
• Cortez finished with 17 points and three assists.
• Senior guard Walter deFreitas (Brooklyn, N.Y./Xaverian) had nine points and four rebounds.
• Senior forward Hagen Foley (Albany, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy) led the Pioneers with 18 points and six rebounds.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Bears head to Skidmore College on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. contest.