SALEM, VA - The Alfred University men's basketball team began the Frankie Allen Tip-Off Tournament with an 87-56 loss to Roanoke College on Friday evening from the Cregger Center. 

The Saxons (2-2, 0-0 Empire 8) shot 40.4 percent from the field while forcing the Maroons (2-1, 0-0 ODAC) to seven turnovers. 

Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY/Olean) led Alfred University with a team-high 23 points to go with five assists. Brewster Marshall (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) finished the game with 14 points along with six rebounds. Anthony Ruffino (Buffalo, NY/Niagara Wheatfield) added six points for AU. 

"Roanoke played really well and we didn't do a good enough job making it difficult for them," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "A lot of credit to them."

Consecutive three-point shots for the Maroons in the first half forced the Saxons to trail by as many as 14 points. Marshall put together seven points in the first half for Alfred University before the team entered halftime with a 41-23 deficit. In the second half, Schmidt sparked the Saxons offense by scoring four of the team's opening six points. A 10-0 run by Ronaoke extended their lead midway through the final half. Alfred University had buckets from five different players in the second half but couldn't climb back before the final horn. 

"We'll play hard tomorrow and see what happens," Kaempffe said. "I like our group and we're excited to compete."

Alfred University will next wrap up the Frankie Allen Tip-Off Tournament by competing on Saturday afternoon in the consolation game. They will face either Salisbury or Mary Baldwin, with tip-off scheduled for 1:00 PM.