ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's basketball returned to Empire 8 conference on Tuesday, defeating St. John Fisher University in 59-50 fashion from the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.

Tyler Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) led Alfred University with a team-high 16 points to go with a pair of rebounds and a steal. Tyler Hind (Randolph, NY/Randolph) finished the game with 15 points, four assists and two steals. Amoi Charles (Elmont, NY/H. Frank Carey) put together a double-double performance that included 13 points and 11 rebounds.

"This was probably our best defensive effort of the year," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "It was a really good job by our players being prepared and executing on that end. We have a long way to go as a team and a lot to improve on and we're excited to get back to work tomorrow."

The Saxons were forced to play from behind to begin the game, but shots by Charles and Kenneth Allison Jr (Troy, NY/Lansingburgh) kept AU within one possession. Later in the half, a deep shot by Zion Baitey (Morristown, NJ/Morristown) gave Alfred University their first lead of the evening. Curran and Oscar Wolter (Munich, Germany/Lycee Jean Renoir) each added three points across the final minute of the half, as the Saxons went into the break with a 27-22 advantage.

Six quick points by St. John Fisher to start the second half equalized the score with over 17 minutes to play. Charles responded with seven consecutive points for Alfred University to extend their lead. Moments later, a shot from beyond the arc by Curran had AU leading by as many as nine points with just over five minutes remaining. The Cardinals converted a few late shots, but successful free throw shooting by the Saxons was enough to close out the matchup with a win.

Alfred University will next continue their busy week with a home matchup against Elmira College on Friday at 7:30 PM.