HAMBURG, NY - The Alfred University men's basketball team competed in their lone game of the week, dropping a 71-66 loss to Hilbert College on Tuesday night. 

Tyler Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) led Alfred University with 16 points to go with three assists. Nolan Gilbert (Mechanicsburg, PA/Cumberland Valley) totaled 14 points and four rebounds. Zion Baitey Morristown, NJ/Morristown) added 16 points and six boards for AU. 

"Another really tough one," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "I think the most frustrating thing is that we're really close. I love our guys and I know we'll bounce back the right way. A lot of credit to Hilbert. They earned it tonight. 

A 3-point shot from Gabe Eldaye (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna) opened scoring for the Saxons. The Hawks built a minimal lead, but consecutive plays from Curran and Gilbert equalized the game. A 12-2 run for Hilbert forced Alfred University to play from behind. The Saxons answered with an 8-2 run across the final two minutes of the first half to take a competitive 34-32 lead into halftime. An 8-0 run by the Hawks in the second half was ended thanks to a jump shot from Gilbert. An additional four points by Hilbert had AU behind by double-digit figures with 13 minutes remaining. Five straight points by Gennaro Picco (Hornell, NY/Hornell) turned the contest into a one-possession game. Hilbert extended their advantage, but Baitey responded with an important deep shot with 40 seconds left in regulation to put the Saxons back to a 3-point deficit. The Saxons remained competitive, but the Hawks relied on late free throws to hold on for the win. 

Alfred University will next compete on the road at Buffalo State College on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:30 PM.