The Hamilton College (2-0) men's basketball team defeated cross-town rival Utica College (2-1), 78-68 this evening at Scott Field House. Hamilton's Joe Finley (Brooklyn, NY) led all scorers with 24 points. Finley was honored prior to the game by Coach Tom Murphy and the team for becoming the 26th player in the program's history to score 1,000 career points.
The first half was evenly contested throughout. Neither team could build more than a five point lead as each team played tenaciously on defense. Utica grabbed the opening tip and took a 3-0 lead on a three-pointer by freshman guard Justin Chichon (New Hartford, NY). Hamilton took back the lead on a basket by Joe Finley at the 18:24 mark. The Continentals would maintain a slight edge all the way until the 6:13 mark. That's when Ricky Adames (New York, NY) hit a three-pointer, giving Utica a 22-19 lead. On Hamilton's very next possession freshman guard Tim Welchons (New Hartford, NY) took a pass from Tim Fesko (Liverpool, NY) and drained a three-pointer, tying the score at 22-22. The Continentals slowly built their lead back up to six points towards the end of the half. With 40 seconds remaining in the half Justin Chichon made a shot, cutting Hamilton's lead to 33-28. Hamilton shot 46.7 percent in the first half led by Finley's 14 points. Utica shot 45.8 percent from the floor and was led by Justin Chichon who scored seven first-half points.
The second half saw the Continentals extend their lead to nine points early on. Junior Joe Smith (Sherrill, NY) began asserting himself down low both offensively and on the glass. His basket at the 13:53 mark of the half, gave Hamilton a nine point lead. The Pioneers would not go away as they chipped away at Hamilton's lead. Willie Lucas' (Brooklyn, NY) basket at the 12:52 mark cut Hamilton's lead to 50-44. After a missed basket and a turnover by the Continentals, Utica cut the lead to one on a pair of free throws by Willie Lucas, making it 50-49 with 11:45 remaining in regulation. Hamilton responded with a 19-6 run of their own building their lead to 11 points. Utica tried to stay in the game and make another run but fell short as Hamilton went on to victory.
The Pioneers were led by Willie Lucas who scored 20 points on 7-10 shooting from the floor. Marquis Jones (Binghamton, NY) added 15 points, while Justin Chichon added 11 points. Aaron Ellis led Utica with seven rebounds.
Hamilton was led by Finley's 24 points and 10 rebounds. Joe Smith added 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Tim Fesko added 11 points. Hamilton will host Middlebury College on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 pm.
Posted December 2, 2002
