ALFRED, NY—The Alfred University men's basketball team (9-4, E8 3-2) was outdone by the high-paced Utica College Pioneers Saturday afternoon, 81-75, at the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.
 
Despite dominating on second-chance points on offense (21-4), the Saxons were topped by the Utica Pioneers who used high-intensity offense to their advantage, outscoring the Saxons 20-2 on fast breaks.  The Pioneers also held an advantage in points off turnovers, 16-10.
 
Right from the beginning, the game was full of non-stop action with either team looking for the decisive blow to maintain the advantage.  In the first half the Pioneers shot an incredible 17-of-29 (58.6%) from the field and 3-of-7 (42.9%) from three.  The Saxons shot 15-of-34 (44.1%) from the field and only 2-of-9 (22.2%) from long range.  With the slight advantage the Pioneers carried a small margin of 40-38 into halftime. 
 
Throughout the first half the Saxons were paced by freshman forward Kevin McFall (Hatboro, PA/Upper Moreland) who had 12 points, three rebounds, and two steals in only 11 minutes.  Senior Dalton Walsh (Stockton, NY/Cassadega Valley) was also a major contributor in the first half with nine points and five rebounds.
 
In the second period it was a game of tug-of-war between the two teams, both struggling to maintain a lead.  Finally, Utica's Chris Jeffers hit a layup to give his team the lead and a 7-0 run ensued to get the Pioneers some breathing room.  However, the Saxons immediately answered back with an 8-0 run to grab the lead with 7:59 to go in the game.  Unfortunately for the Saxons, Utica stormed down the court and hit a clutch 3PT shot to grab the lead and the momentum.
 
With 1:19 left in the game both teams were knotted at 75, but Jeffers found the hoop for two again to break the deadlock.  Down by two and the last minute waning away, the Saxons were forced to foul and send the Pioneers to the charity stripe to test their luck.  With 27 seconds to play Aaron Nevins of Utica hit 2-of-2 free throws to make it a four point game. 
 
Next, first year coach, Russell Phillips, called a time out to ready his troops for the ensuing play.  The ball was passed into play by the Saxons, but was turned over and the game slipped from the Saxons.  Nevins hit his next two foul shots with 14 seconds to go to seal the game, 81-75, in favor of the Pioneers.
 
Walsh led the Saxons with 24 points and nine rebounds, while McFall finished the contest with 14 points and 6 rebounds after running into foul trouble in the second half.  Jerry Kincel (Moosic, PA/Riverside) came off the bench to add 9 points and three rebounds while playing as a defensive specialist throughout the game, shutting down opposing players.
 
The Saxons have a small break in their schedule, but return to action Fri. January 16^th when they travel to Nazareth College to take on the Golden Flyers in a very important Empire 8 showdown.