Zach Thomann, Assistant Sports Editor

After a close game, which featured 59 combined free throw attempts, St. John Fisher came out on top over Utica College 72-68. Although Utica has won three of their last four games, they could not keep the trend going despite a strong effort from junior  Bennito Ayarza who scored 18 points to go along with five assists.

            Utica cut St. John Fisher’s lead to two points with 30 seconds left after freshman Hunter Remley stole an inbound pass and immediately turned it into a layup. The steal kept Utica’s hopes alive, but consistent free throw shooting from St. John Fisher kept Utica down two scores for the rest of the game.

Free throw shooting proved to be a strength for Utica College as they shot 20 for 25 during the game. Ayarza was a key factor in Utica’s success at the line by shooting 90 percent.

Senior Keegan Ryan shot 80 percent from the free throw line for St. John Fisher and scored a game high 22 points.

Utica’s next game will be at home against Houghton College on Saturday night.