UTICA, NY - The Alfred University men's basketball team wrapped up their weekend with a 68-56 loss to Utica University on Saturday afternoon. 

Tyler Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) led Alfred University with a career-high 27 points to go with three rebounds and a pair of assists. Amoi Charles (Elmont, NY/H. Frank Carey) and Tyler Hind (Randolph, NY/Randolph) each finished the game with eight points and three boards. Oscar Wolter (Munich, Germany/Lycee Jean Renoir) added seven points for AU. 

"We're all obviously disappointed with the weekend, but it wasn't for a lack of effort or caring, which means we have a chance," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "We have a long way to go, and I am confident we'll keep fighting."

Both sides traded successful shots to open the first half, with five lead changes taking place across the first five minutes of action. An 8-2 run by the Saxons had the team leading by as many as five points. The Pioneers responded with an 11-0 run of their own that was snapped by a layup from Wolter. Five straight points from Curran were followed by a successful shot from Charles to tie the game with roughly three minutes remaining in the half. Curran scored the final four points of the half for Alfred University, but the team still trailed 34-32 going into the break. 

Utica began the second half on a 10-3 run to extend their advantage to double-digit figures. Nolan Gilbert (Mechanicsburg, PA/Cumberland Valley) and Curran combined for nine straight points to cut AU's deficit to just two points with seven minutes remaining. The Saxons remained competitive, but the Pioneers closed out the game on a 10-2 run to come away with the win. 

Alfred University will next travel to face SUNY Geneseo next Friday at 7:30 PM.