Box Score | Season Preview Video

HAMBURG, N.Y. - Utica College used a 12-1 run in the second half to turn a 10-point deficit into a one point lead and the Pioneers went on to defeat Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 72-63, in a non-league men's basketball game. The contest, the first of the season for both squads, was the opening game of the 2018 Hawks Against Hunger Tip Off Tournament hosted by Hilbert College.

With RPI leading 49-39 after a Jeffrey Coulter three-pointer five minutes into the second half, Utica's Darius Hopskin registered the next six points before a pair of teammates buried three point shots and the Pioneers led, 51-50, with 11:19 to play. A jumper by Andreas Kontopidis put the Engineers back in front by a point, but Hopskin scored in the paint to start a 12-0 spurt for a 62-52 edge six minutes later. 

Rensselaer's Kevin Davis ended the string with a three-point shot, which was followed by a pair of free throws by Patrick Mahoney to get the team to within five points (62-57). Avery Coston answered with a three pointer with four minutes remaining and the Engineers were held off the board until Mahoney connected in the paint to make the score 65-59 with 1:43 to play. RPI got to within five points, 66-61 with 31 seconds remaining, but Utica scored six of the final eight points for the nine point win.

Mahoney led the Engineers with 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting, along with eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. Marcus Giese scored 13 points with seven rebounds and Kontopidis scored a dozen with four blocked shots. Kevin Davis paced the team with 11 rebounds.

Shawn Gashi scored 15 points with six rebounds and three assists in the win. Tyler Jollie added 14 points and seven caroms, while Coston and Hopskin both scored 12 points.

Rensselaer plays in Saturday's consolation game (1pm), while Utica will suit up for the championship game (3pm). The host Hawks and Waynesburg University are the other two schools participating.