ONEONTA, NY – The Alfred University men's basketball team only allowed 12 points in the first half during their 71-48 win over Hartwick College on Friday night from the Lambros Arena.

The Saxons (14-8, 7-6 Empire 8) shot 49 percent from the field in their win, while winning the rebound battle by a 38-29 margin over the Hawks (1-18, 1-10 Empire 8).

Brewster Marshall (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) led the Saxons with a double-double performance that consisted of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY/Olean) finished with 12 points and six assists. Darren Miller (Seneca Falls, NY/Mynderse) totaled eight points, four rebounds, and two assists.

"I thought our defensive effort was very good early," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "I was really happy with the tone set by our starting group."

Kevin Durkin (Buffalo, NY/St. Joseph's Collegiate) set the tone for the Saxons early in the first half, as he scored the team's opening four points. A three-point shot by Marshall had AU leading by as many as seven points. Cole Eells (Ithaca, NY/Ithaca) and Schmidt each contributed five points during a 24-0 run for the Saxons, as the team carried a 37-12 lead at halftime.

Hartwick found their shots early in the second half, but seven consecutive points from Marshall in the second half protected AU's lead with 10:58 remaining in the game. A 6-0 run by the Hawks was ended by a three-point shot from Schmidt. Late shots from Jay Brueckl (Angola, NY/Lakeshore) and Anthony Ruffino (North Tonawanda, NY/Niagara Wheatfield) sealed the victory for the Saxons. 

"We'll focus on playing as hard as we can and executing tomorrow and see where that leaves us," Kaempffe said. "We're excited for the challenge."

Alfred University will next travel to play Russell Sage College with tip-off scheduled for 4:00 PM.