Pioneers Hang Tough but Fall to Erie

The Alfred State College men's basketball team hung tough with #13 Erie CC in a physical battle on Thursday evening but fell 78-68 to the Kats.  ECC improves to 19-5 (8-1 WNYAC) while ASC drops its third straight and falls to 15-8 (4-4 WNYAC).

Dusty Marshall (Newfield) had a solid game for Alfred finished with a double-double.  He was 9 for 17 from the field (2 for 4 from three) and 5 for 5 from the foul line ofr a game-high 25 points.  He also grabbed 10 boards and passed out five assists.  Travis Brannen (Elmira Free) chipped in 14 points and Dan Foley (Irondequoit) added 10.

Ray Blackburn led Erie with 24 points, 10 assists and four boards.  Michael Moore came off the bench and finished with 13 while Serign Bah added 10.  Ikyaator Msoo was tough on the glass finishing with eight points and 10 rebounds.

Erie led 32-30 at halftime but shot 51.5% from the field in the 2nd half to push out their lead.  They finished the day shooting 41.7% from the field 43.8% (7 for 16) from three, and 55% (11 for 20) from the line.  Alfred shot 38.2% from the field, 21.1% (4 for 19) from three, and 60% (12 for 20) from the line.  The Kats held a 50 to 42 advantage on the boards.

The Pioneers entertain Monroe CC on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.  The Tribunes enter the game ranked #8 in the latest NJCAA Division II poll.