UTICA, NY – The Alfred University men's basketball team fought through the final horn as part of a 70-61 loss to No. 1 Utica University on Thursday from the Clark Athletic Center.

The Saxons (12-15, 8-8 Empire 8) had three players finish with 10 or more points in their efforts.

Tyler Hind (Randolph, NY/Randolph) scored a team-high 22 points to go with four rebounds and three assists. Franlys Valenzuela (Santiago de los Cabelleros, Dominican Republic/San Ysidro) put together a double-double performance that consisted of 12 points and 15 rebounds. Oscar Wolter (Munich, Germany/Lycee Jean Renoir) added 10 points and nine boards for AU.

"First, congratulations to Coach Coffey and his guys," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "They played a nice game. I'm proud of our guys. We didn't blink in as tough environment and were right there the whole time. Just came up a bit short. We have a lot to build on with this very young group. I have to thank Adam, Bern and Dyl for their leadership and all they've given this program. They're such good people and I know they'll be successful in whatever the next chapters of their lives is."

The Pioneers forced the Saxons to play from behind early in the opening half due to a 15-0 run. Alfred University responded with an immediate 9-0 run to cut their deficit. Utica managed to extend their lead briefly before five straight points from Hind were followed by a jump shot by Wolter. The defense held Utica without a point across the final two minutes of the half but trailed 36-28 at the break.

A deep shot from Tyler Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) and a jump shot by Wolter in the early moments of the second half had AU behind by just one possession. Valenzuela and Zion Baitey (Morristown, NJ/Morristown) each got involved on the offensive end, as the Saxons cut their deficit to one point with over 14 minutes to play. A 9-2 run by the Pioneers extended the disadvantage for the Saxons. Valenzuela scored five of the final seven points before AU before time on the clock ran out.