ALFRED, NY- The Alfred University men's basketball team came up short in their regular season finale in a 55-42 loss to Utica University on Saturday afternoon from the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.

Alfred University honored their senior class prior to the game, as Jay Brueckl (Angola, NY/Lakeshore), Cole Eells (Ithaca, NY/Ithaca), Justin Phillips (Cleveland, OH/Shaker Heights), and Eddie Walser (Marcellus, NY/Bishop Ludden) completed their final regular season game of their collegiate careers.

"Justin, Jay, Eddie, and Cole are the type of people we want to have in and around our program for the next 10 years," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "They are unbelievable people who care about their teammates and represent Alfred University the right way. My only disappointment from this regular season is that I only got to spend one year with these four guys. I can't thank them enough for what they have done for me and our program."

Brewster Marshall (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) opened scoring for Saxons in the first half. A 13-0 run from the Pioneers had AU trailing by as many as 13 points. A three-point shot from Marshall was followed by a successful free throw from Darren Miller (Seneca Falls, NY/Mynderse), but the Saxons still trailed 32-17 at the break. A 6-0 run from the Pioneers to begin the second half was ended by a jump shot from Marshall. Utica hit three consecutive three-point shots to lead by 28 points with 13:44 remaining. A jump shot from Miller sparked an 11-0 run, as the Saxons cut their deficit down to 18 points with 6:47 left in regulation. A three-point shot from Marshall was followed by a jump shot from Miller, as AU was down by 12 points with 2:22 left in the second half. The Pioneers hit late free throws to erase any chance at a potential comeback.

"Our guys are incredibly excited to play in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament next week," Kaempffe said. "We're even more excited to play on our home floor. We hope that the entire Alfred University community comes out to support our players on Tuesday night in the McLane Center."

Alfred University will next host Russell Sage College in the Empire 8 Tournament Semi-Finals on Tuesday Night with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 PM.