ALFRED, NY—The Alfred University men's basketball team fell in a tight Empire 8 matchup to visiting Hartwick, 72-64, Friday evening in the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.
 
In a highly anticipated matchup in the Empire 8, the Saxons fell to the Hartwick College (10-8, E8 5-4) despite a massive crowd and an electric atmosphere.  The entire first half was a back-and-forth affair with seven lead changes and four ties.  The Hawks grabbed a late lead in the first on a Joe Krong three-point shot and carried the lead into the half 28-27.
 
Dalton Walsh (Stockton, NY/Cassadega Valley) led the Saxons in the first half with seven points despite getting into foul trouble and playing only 10 minutes.  Sophomore Eric Adams (Lebanon, NY/Hunterdon Central) cleaned up on the boards grabbing 5 rebounds for AU.
 
Walsh opened the second half for the Saxons and dropped a deep three to snag the lead.  The second half mirrored the first with both teams struggling to hold a lead.  There were 11 lead changes and five ties in the second stanza.
 
The Hawks managed to grasp a lead with 6:15 to go in the game on a Trevor North free throw and never released their grip to the final whistle.  As the final horn sounded Hartwick was on top, 72-64. 
 
Sophomore Tyler Seelman (Lorton, VA/Hayfield Secondary) paced the Saxons with 14 points and three assists; Adams ended the game with 13 points and eight assists falling just short of his second double-double in as many games; Walsh added 10 points and seven rebounds to the Saxons' tally.  Hartwicks Joey Lufkin paced the Hawks with 23 points for the game-high while Trevor Norton added 14 points and six rebounds.
 
The Saxons (10-7, E8 4-5) return to action tomorrow Sat. January 31^st to take on the visiting Stevens Ducks in the Galanis Family Arena.