ALBANY, NY - The Alfred University men's basketball team wrapped up their weekend of Empire 8 action with a 83-64 loss to Russell Sage College on Saturday afternoon. 

Gennaro Picco (Hornell, NY/Hornell) led Alfred University with 10 points along with three rebounds and a pair of assists. Tyler Curran (Allegany, NY/ Allegany-Limestone) registered 12 points to go with three assists. Robby Hicks (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) added a team-high 13 points off the bench for AU. 

The Saxons relied on deep shots from Picco and Zion Baitey (Morristown, NJ/Morristown) in the early minutes of the first half to open scoring. The Gators led by as many as nine points, but consecutive baskets from Gabe Eldaye (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna) cut the deficit to one point with under four minutes remaining in the half. The Saxons were limited to a pair of free throws in the closing minutes before going into halftime behind 34-29.

An early 7-0 run by Russell Sage was snapped thanks to a shot from beyond the arc by Curran. Hicks contributed with a pair of 3-point shots, but the Gators answered with a 7-0 run to extend their lead. Picco added to the scoring column for Alfred University, but the scoring efforts of Russell Sage were too much to overcome. 

Alfred University will next host SUNY Geneseo on Friday with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 PM.