ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's basketball team came up short in a contested 56-52 loss against Utica University on Friday night at Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.

The Saxons (17-6, 12-4 Empire 8) led going into the second half until the Pioneers regained the lead with 10 minutes to play and were able to narrowly close out the victory.

Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY/Olean) led the Saxons in scoring with 22 points, two assists and two rebounds. Kevin Durkin (Buffalo, NY/St. Joseph's Collegiate) had a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal. Casey Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) added 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists. 

"I'm really proud of our fight." Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "We didn't make quite enough plays tonight. Credit to Utica for making it difficult. We'll do our best to bounce back tomorrow against a really tough Keuka team"

Alfred opened up an eight-point lead with three minutes to play in the first half and kept their lead until Utica overtook them with 10 minutes to play for only the second lead change of the game. The Saxons didn't make it easy for the Pioneers as they tied up the game late at 49-49 with 1:50 to play. Unfortunately, a late 3-pointer with 26 seconds to play from the Pioneers gave them a five-point lead and put the game just out of reach for the Saxons. 

Alfred University returns to action Saturday at home for the second leg of a conference doubleheader against Keuka College, with the tip-off currently scheduled for 4:00 PM.