UTICA, N.Y. – The Morrisville State College (2-0) men's basketball team toppled host Utica College Wednesday night 82-74 to collect their second straight win in the early 2015-16 season.

The Mustangs were led by three who notched double figures, including sophomore Trent Ward (Auburn, N.Y.) who had a team high 19 on the night. Senior Joe Hulbert (Duanesburg, N.Y.) added 18 points, to go along with four assists and two steals, while Storm Cook (Norwich, N.Y.) came off the bench to contribute 10 points and four rebounds. Hulbert posted 14 of his points in the second half.

Robert Tutein and Stephen Gall each registered 12 points to lead the Pioneer efforts, as Jawan Simmons added an 11 point, nine rebound effort in the loss.

Morrisville State led by nine at the break behind their 17-of-31 (54.8%) shooting from the floor, and held on through the second half as Utica mounted an attempted comeback.

The Mustangs led by 13 midway through the second period, before Utica went on an 8-0 run to make it a five point ball game with seven minutes remaining on the clock.

Morrisville State was able to regain the double digit lead with a short 7-0 burst of their own, before the Pioneers chipped away at the lead to again cut the deficit to single digits late in the game.

Utica was able to get within six with 23 seconds remaining on the clock, but the Mustangs secured the non-conference win with four free throws down the stretch.

Morrisville State returns to the court Friday, traveling to Elmira College for their tip-off tournament. The first contest is scheduled against the hosts, and is set to tip-off at 8 p.m.

Morrisville State College's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2016 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2016 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about Morrisville State College, visit www.morrisville.edu.

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