ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's basketball team hosted Utica College on Saturday afternoon. The Saxons (9-8, 3-3 Empire 8) held the lead for much of the first half before giving that advantage up and falling by a score of 75-65.
 
The Saxons jumped out to a 14-4 lead with just over 13 minutes to play in the opening half.
 
Utica then went on an 18-8 run to tie the game at 22 at the 7:11 mark.
 
The squads traded blows for the remainder of the first half before a free throw with just one second remaining sent the Pioneers into halftime leading AU 37-36.
 
Utica jumped on the Saxons to open the second half of play and quickly took a 47-40 lead.
 
From that point, the Pioneers slowly extended their lead up to as many as 16 points with just under seven minutes to play.
 
The Saxons were able to cut the deficit to eight points down the stretch but could not gain any more ground than that in the 10 point loss.
 
Darren Miller (Seneca Falls, NY / Mynderse) scored a career high 16 points to be the high scorer on the day for the Saxons. He recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds on the day as well.
 
Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY / Olean) finished with 14 points and three assists on the day while Sam Dagon (Hornell, NY / Hornell) and Cole Eells (Ithaca, NY / Ithaca) each scored 11 on the day.
 
Alfred will be back in action on Tuesday as they host Houghton College at 5:30PM.