ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's basketball team was back at Terry S. Galanis Family arena on Friday evening for an Empire 8 matchup against The Sage Colleges.
 
The Saxons (9-7, 3-2 Empire 8) ran away with this one in the later minutes of the second half to pick up its third conference victory on the season by a score of 87-68.
 
Sam Dagon (Hornell, NY / Hornell) and Brewster Marshall (Horseheads, NY / Horseheads) kept up their stellar play and both had huge games to lead the Saxons to the victory.
 
After jumping out to an early 27-12 lead, the Gators closed the gap and made it a 10 point game at the halftime break.
 
Sage was able to cut it to single digits early in the second half before AU went on a run to extend its lead back up to 21 with just over 10 minutes to play.
 
The Gators made their way back into it with just under five minutes to play when a pair of free throws made the score 73-64, but strong defensive play that turned into buckets down the stretch for Alfred secured the 19 point victory.
 
"We came out strong and that really set the tone for us," Head Coach Russell Phillips said.  "Our focus on the defensive end and group rebounding were keys early.  Our collective toughness was good and we were able to withstand their runs and come out on top.  Quick turnaround with Utica coming in tomorrow and our focus needs to shift towards them."
 
Dagon was the high scorer once again with 23 points, including 18 in the first half alone.
 
Marshall finished with 18 and a team high six boards while Cole Eells (Ithaca, NY / Ithaca) and Darren Miller (Seneca Falls, NY / Mynderse) each chipped in with 11.
 
Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY / Olean) had a team high six assists and forced three steals on the defensive end.
 
The Saxons will be back in action tomorrow at home as they host a talented Utica College team at 2PM.