Redskins rout Bulldogs
Utica 70, East Knox 31
Utica had a lesson in taking things for granted on Friday, struggling through the first half with East Knox before dominating the second half in a 70-31 MBC victory.
The Bulldogs (2-7, 1-4) were ready to go in the first quarter, holding the high-charging Redskins to just eight points to lead 10-8. Utica (8-0, 5-0) got going in the second quarter, doubling its first-quarter total. East Knox hung in there, and trailed 24-18 at the break.
There was little doubt about the outcome after the third quarter, however. Led by Zack Walton and Justin Dassylva, the Redskins flew up and down the court, posting 26 points in the third quarter alone. Utica was even better on the defensive side of the ball, allowing seven points in the third quarter to lead 50-25. The fourth quarter was much the same, as East Knox scored only six points to the Redskins’ 20 for a 39-point Utica victory.
Utica shot 28-of-61 from the field while holding the Bulldogs to just 12-of-51. Despite the game’s furious second-half pace, the Redskins turned the ball over just 11 times, and forced East Knox into 27 turnovers.
Walton shot 11-of-15 from the field for a game-high 24 points, and Dassylva added 16 points. Walton also had 12 rebounds, while Dassylva and Joe McGuire each made four steals. Nick Joseph contributed eight points for Utica, and McGuire tallied seven points. Cortland Backes finished with four points.
Jeremy Loney paced East Knox with nine points, and Taylor Cline collected six points and six boards. Adam Renshaw and Justin Willis each chipped in with four points.
