Box Score

The St. John Fisher College men's basketball program overcame a 17-point deficit late in the first half and rallied to earn a 79-69 win over visiting Utica College on Friday night at Fisher's Bobby Wanzer Court.

With the win, Fisher moves to 11-8 overall and 6-4 in the Empire 8 Conference, while Utica falls to 7-12, 4-5.

Senior Jason Norsen became the 20th player in Fisher history to score 1,000 points in a career.   The Capital One Academic All-American scored 19 points, bringing his career total to 1,008.  Norsen, who is already Fisher's all-time leader in blocked shots, added seven rejections and eight boards in the win.

Utica seemed in control early on.  The Pioneers jumped out to an 8-0 lead over the opening three minutes and led by as many 17 points at 43-26 with 2:59 left on a 3-pointer from Connor Maisch.

Utica led 45-31 with 1:23 left in the half, but Fisher went on a 7-0 to end the half and only trailed by seven at 45-38.

The Pioneers shot 64.3% (18-for-28) from the floor in the first half, including 66.7% (6-of-7) from 3-point range.

After finishing the first half strong, Fisher kept it going in the second half.  Utica led 47-40 with 18:44 left, but Fisher went on a 12-0 run over the next six minutes to take the lead its first lead of the game, but more importantly, the lead for good. 

Utica made it 59-55 with just over eight minutes left.  The Cardinals, however, went on a 15-4 spurt over the next four minutes, highlighted by three 3-pointers from sophomore Thad Wier.  Wier finished the game with 19 points and seven rebounds (both career-highs).

Freshman point guard Chaz Lott finished with 17 points and six assists, while Justin Plata added 12 points.

After shooting 64.3% from the floor in the first half, Utica shot 21.4% (6-for-28) and was 42.9% for the game.   Fisher shot 45.5% from the floor for the game, including 53.3% for his career.

Fisher will return to action at 4 p.m. on Saturday and will host newly-added Empire 8 rival Houghton College. Houghton is a provisional member of NCAA Division III and not eligible for postseason.  Games against the Highlanders do not impact conference records/standings.