ELMIRA, NY - The Alfred University men's basketball team began their weekend with a narrow 64-62 loss at Elmira College on Friday night. 

A 7-0 run to open the game for the Soaring Eagles forced the Saxons to play from behind. Alfred University quickly cut into their deficit following baskets from Tyler Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) and Abdoul Toure (Brooklyn, NY/High School for Public Service). An additional eight points for Elmira extended their advantage into double-digit figures with 12 minutes remaining in the first half. The Saxons held the Soaring Eagles to just a pair of points across the final three minutes but went into halftime with a 30-21 deficit. 

A deep shot from Curran opened scoring for AU in the early moments of the second half. Later in the half, quick baskets from Toure and Robby Hicks (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) had the Saxons trailing by just eight points with 10 minutes remaining. Alfred University continued to rely on Hicks, who scored consecutive baskets from beyond the arc to turn the contest into a one-possession game with seven minutes to go. A late basket by Toure was followed by points by Franlys Valenzuela (Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic San Ysidro), but Elmira cashed in from the free throw line to come away with the late victory. 

Alfred University will next compete at Keuka College on Saturday at 2:00 PM.