ALFRED, NY—Freshman guard Nick Schmidt (Olean, NY/Olean) and the Saxons had no problem putting away the Might Oaks of SUNY ESF, toppling them, 95-57.
 
The Saxons, with first year coach Russell Phillips, opened the season with a victory over SUNY ESF.  Schmidt, who only shot from outside the arc, hit 7-8 (87.5%) and made 2-2 free throws to lead the team with 23 points on the evening.  Dalton Walsh (Stockton, NY/Casadega Valley) followed up the young guard with 18 points and seven rebounds on the season debut. 
 
Coming out of the gates the Saxons picked up where they left off last season, scoring in fast and scoring often.  Just over eight minutes into the game the Saxons were out to an 18-point lead over ESF, leading 30-12.  However, the Mighty Oaks returned fire and diminished the lead to eight with only four minutes to go in the half, shooting well down the stretch (11-25, 44.0%). 
 
The Saxons, on the other hand, would not be outdone and put together an incredible half, hitting 19-31 (61.3%) of their shots.  Going into the half, the Saxons had also hit 6-11 (54.5%) from three, with Schmidt leading the charge making all three of his long shots.  AU took the lead, 51-39, into the intermission.
 
Following the half, the Saxons ramped up their defense, constantly putting pressure on their opponents, forcing 16 turnovers for 10 steals.  With a high intensity defense, the Saxons held ESF to only 25% shooting from the field and did not allow a three pointer the entire half. 
 
On the other end of the court, AU continued to shoot lights out making 15 of 32 (46.9%) from the field and adding seven threes.  Schmidt, once again, was draining shots from deep, making 4-5 (80%).  AU rode their offense the rest of the way, dealing a loss to the Mighty Oaks, 95-57.
 
Sophomore Eric Adams (Lebanon, NJ/Hunterdon Central) and senior Mike Snyder (Pulaski, NY/Pulaski) added 15 and 12 points, respectively, to the Saxon effort.  Senior Tim Pacheco (Mt. Pocano, PA/Pocano Mountain East) was dishing the ball around evenly, notching eight assists on the evening.  Walsh added four blocks to his stellar offensive night, while four Saxons had two steals apiece.
 
With the win the Saxons move to 1-0 (E8 0-0) on the season, and return to the court Wednesday, Nov. 19^th to take on Wells College in Aurora, NY.