UTICA, NY – Late turnovers made the difference as the Alfred University men's basketball team was defeated by Utica College, 64-51, on Friday night from the Clark Gymnasium.

The Saxons (9-6, 2-4 Empire 8) forced 16 turnovers, while the Pioneers (11-3, 5-1 Empire 8) converted on 47.1 percent of their shots from three-point range.

Darren Miller (Seneca Falls, NY/Mynderse) led the Saxons with 12 points and five rebounds. Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY/Olean) recorded 12 points and two steals. Brewster Marshall (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) finished with eight points, five rebounds, and an assist in his return to the Saxons starting lineup.

"We played well for about 34 minutes on the road against a very good opponent in Utica," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "We're excited to get back to work and try and put 40 minutes together."

Each side traded successful shots to open the first half, as four lead changes occurred inside the first seven minutes of action. A 6-0 run by Utica was immediately answered by an 8-0 run by the Saxons, as consecutive successful free throws from Elliot Bowen (Salamanca, NY/Ellicotville) within the final minute had AU tied with Utica at halftime, 20-20.

An early jump shot from Kevin Durkin (Buffalo, NY/St. Joseph's Collegiate) gave the Saxons the lead in the opening moments of the second half. Back-to-back three-point shots from Schmidt had AU leading by as many as five points. Six additional lead changes in the second half had the Pioneers leading 37-35 with 12:57 remaining in the game. Utica extended their lead with an 8-0 run, as AU trailed by 11 points with 3:08 remaining. The Pioneers knocked down their free throws towards the end of regulation, eliminating any chance at a comeback for the Saxons.

"We're going to get ready for another good opponent in Houghton," Kaempffe said. "Hopefully we can continue to get better and play well."

Alfred University will next return home to host Houghton College on Tuesday with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM.