Rochester, NY- Physical play from St. John Fisher College resulted in a 79-63 win over the Alfred University men's basketball team on Saturday from the Manning & Napier Varsity Gymnasium.
 
The Saxons now sit with a 3-2 (3-2 Empire 8) overall record on the spring campaign. The Cardinals improve to 6-1 (6-0 Empire 8) this season.
 
Alfred was led by sophomore Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY/Olean), who finished with 16 points, three rebounds, and two steals. Sophomore guard Adam Enders (Belfast, NY/Belfast) totaled nine points to go with three boards. First-year forward Casey Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) added eight points, as the Saxons shot 42 percent (21-of-50) from the field.
 
Sophomore forward Daniel Cook paved the way for the St. John Fisher, ending with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double performance. Junior forward Brendan Trapper added 13 points, as the Cardinals finished 48.1 percent (25-of-52) from the field.
 
"We played against a physical team," said Head Coach Russell Phillips. "Our efforts on the board and on the defensive end were there."
 
Curran scored the Saxons' opening six points, but it was met with a 9-0 run by St. John Fisher. Contributions from sophomore guard Justin Phillips (Cleveland, OH/Shaker Heights) kept Alfred within reach, as they went into halftime with a 36-27 deficit.
 
A 10-0 run by the Cardinals in the second half forced the Saxons to continue to play from behind. Despite late shots from junior guard Anthony Ruffino (North Tonawanda, NY/Niagara Wheatfield), St. John Fisher held onto their lead.
 
"We have to do a better job at limiting our turnovers," said Phillips. "We have to take smarter shots, and hopefully that comes together before our next game."
 
The Saxons return home against Elmira on Sunday with tip-off scheduled for 12pm.