Zach Thomann, Assistant Sports Editor

After leading for most of the game, the Pioneers gave up 16 points in the last five minutes of the third quarter. The team could not make up the deficit despite a strong effort and SUNY Oneonta took the game 47 to 44. Utica battled back at the end of the game, but ran out of time before they could finish the comeback.

After a solid win against SUNY Potsdam Tuesday, Coach Michele Davis wanted to keep up their defensive intensity going into the game against the Red Dragons. Juniors Ashelyne Babb and Ashley Mayo provided full court pressure the entire game and the zone defense stayed active in half court.

Although Utica held Oneonta to 47 points, their offense could not get anything going. The team shot 30 percent from the field including 4-15 from the free throw line. The Pioneers did make four shots from the perimeter which is better than the 0-11 performance Tuesday night, but still only made 29 percent.

Coach Davis did not want to change her game plan due to poor shooting on Tuesday and still believes in her players to make their shots.

Babb led the team with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Cara Adams led the Red Dragons with 13 points.

The Pioneers move to 1-1 overall and will be back on the court Sunday, when they take on crosstown rival SUNY Poly.