HOUGHTON, NY – The Alfred University men's basketball team came up short as part of a 69-66 loss to Houghton University on Saturday from the Nielsen Center.

The Saxons (4-5, 1-1 Empire 8) shot 42.1 percent from the field as part of their efforts against the Highlanders (2-8, 1-2 Empire 8).

Franlys Valenzuela (Santiago de los Cabelleros, Dominican Republic/San Ysidro) recorded a double-double performance that included 16 points and 12 rebounds. Oscar Wolter (Munich, Germany/Lycee Jean Renoir) scored 15 points to go with six boards. Adam Enders (Belfast, NY/Belfast) added 11 points for AU.

"A lot of credit to Houghton and Coach Bialek," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "They played well. We'll do our best to try and improve every day between now and our next game."

Alfred University was forced to play from behind early in the opening half after Houghton began the game on an 8-0 run. The Saxons responded with a 10-0 run of their own to take their first lead of the game. Enders and Kenneth Allison Jr (Troy, NY/Lansingburgh) combined for 13 points, but AU still trailed 32-27 going into the break.

A three-point play from Valenzuela tied the game with 16 minutes remaining in the game. Valenzuela added 13 points to his second half box score, while Wolter contributed with 11 points across 16 minutes of action. The Saxons fought hard to keep the game competitive, but late baskets from the Highlanders were enough to close out the game with the win.

Alfred University will next travel to Gallatin, TN to take on North Park University on Friday, December 29 at 12:00 PM.