ELMIRA, NY – The Alfred University men's basketball team was at Elmira College for its second road game of the weekend. The Saxons (8-7, 2-2 Empire 8) came out on top over the Soaring Eagles by a score of 85-73 to even their record in the conference.
 
 
AU took control early with a 9-0 run to go up 12-6 after seven minutes of play.
 
 
Elmira kept within striking distance for much of the first half and eventually took its first lead since the opening minutes at the 3:39 mark of the first half after a fast break layup put the Soaring Eagles ahead 29-28.
 
 
Alfred took over for the remaining three minutes of the half thanks to a couple of late three pointers from Brewster Marshall (Horseheads, NY / Horseheads) and Anthony Ruffino (North Tonawanda, NY / Niagara Wheatfield) to help the Saxons to a 43-33 lead at the half.
 
 
AU kept a constant double-digit lead for a majority of the second half and went up by as many as 17 points in the later portion of the half on its way to the 12 point victory.
 
 
"It was a good bounce back win," Head Coach Russ Phillips said. "We played with a much better sense of urgency and edge, and that made the difference. Now our focus shifts to next weekend as we continue to try and improve."  
 
 
Marshall put together a double-double on the day with a team high 23 points and 13 rebounds. He also blocked three shots and forced one steal.
 
 
Elliot Bowen (Salamanca, NY / Ellicottville) had a productive afternoon with 19 points and five boards.
 
 
Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY / Olean) and Sam Dagon (Hornell, NY / Hornell) each scored in double figures with 13 points a piece while Schmidt dished out a team high five assists.
 
 
The Saxons will be off until next Friday when they host The Sage Colleges in Terry S. Galanis Family Arena at 5:30PM.