UTICA, N.Y. –  Empire 8 Conference-leading Utica shot 50.7 percent from the field and had four players score in twin figures to defeat visiting Russell Sage College 95-66 this afternoon.

The Gators featured a balanced offense and had a pair of rookies set career-highs in scoring against the Pioneers (16-2/11-0 E8), now winners of nine in-a-row.

Freshman guard Mike McLaughlin (Clearwater, FL/Clearwater) established his collegiate best for the second-consecutive night, tallying 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting.

Freshman guard/forward Josiah Daniels (Bradenton, FL/Bradenton Christian) added a career-high 13 points, while guard Ryan Long (Averill Park, NY/Averill Park), a graduate student, contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

The trio were part of a group of six Gators to score between five and 18 points in the E8 matinee.

Senior guard Justice Brantley Topped the victors with 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting. He registered 13 of his points in the first half, helping Utica hold a 45-24 advantage at the break.

Looking ahead, RSC (3-15/1-10 E8) hosts Alfred on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Notes: McLaughlin averaged 14.5 points on 44.0 percent shooting and 6.0 rebounds across the weekend...He recorded a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds on Friday at Keuka...The Gators, coming off an Empire 8 Conference Championship Tournament appearance, graduated all five starters from last season…Nine players, accounting for just 21.22 percent of scoring and 16.82 percent of rebounding, are back…They joined nine newcomers to make up this year's roster…Sophomore guard Noah Girard (Glens Falls, NY/Glens Falls) and Long were voted co-captains...Head Coach Brian Barnes, now in his 14th season, began the campaign with a 167-153 overall record.

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