BUFFALO, NY - The Alfred University men's basketball team began their busy week with a 66-62 loss to Buffalo State College on Tuesday night. 

Franlys Valenzuela (Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic/San Ysidro) led the way for Alfred University with a double-double performance that consisted of 22 points and 14 rebounds. Tyler Hind (Randolph, NY/Randolph) finished the game with nine points and four boards. Nolan Gilbert (Mechanicsburg, PA/Cumberland Valley) added nine points off the bench for AU. 

The Saxons were forced to play from behind early, but consecutive 3-point shots from Zion Baitey (Morristown, NJ/Morristown) and Gabe Eldaye (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna) gave AU a slight advantage. Later in the half, the Bengals put together a 20-0 run to take the lead back, going into halftime with a 37-23 lead. Valenzuela scored seven early points in the second half for Alfred University, along with Tyler Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) converting from beyond the arc, as the Saxons cut their deficit to just four points. Moments later, a deep shot from Baitey turned the game into a one-possession contest. Buffalo State answered with a 10-1 run, extending their lead to double-digit figures with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation. Late baskets from Valenzuela and Abdoul Toure (Brooklyn, NY/High School for Public Service) kept AU within reach, but Buffalo State managed to hold on for the win. 

Alfred University will next begin Empire 8 competition at home against Nazareth University on Saturday with tip-off scheduled at 4:00 PM.