Pioneers can't overcome slow start

The Alfred State College men's basketball team fell behind 13-2 in the opening three minutes of the contest and could never fully recover in a 75-67 loss to Mercyhurst North East.  The Saints improve to 16-11 (5-8 WNYAC) while the Pioneers fall to 17-10 (6-6 WNYAC).

Mario McGee led the Saints with 21 points, eight assists, and six boards while Leon Rollins chipped in 19 points and 10 rebounds.  Demetrelle Drayton finished with 13 and George Cox added 11.

Cerrone Jackson (Forrest Hills) was 6 for 7 from the field and led A-State with 15 points and six assists.  Dusty Marshall (Newfield) finished with 15 and Travis Brannen (Elmira Free) added 12 points.  Jerome Hall (Cicero North Syracuse) was tough off the bench chipping in nine.

MNE shot 50% (27 for 54) from the field, 33.3% (3 for 9) from three, and 75% (18 for 24, 14 for 17 in the 2nd half) from the foul line.  A-State shot 43.8% (28 for 64) from the field, 14.3% (2 for 14) from three, and 81.8% (9 for 11) from the line.  Mercyhurst held a 36 to 32 advantage on the boards.

ASC has a few days off before playing their final home game of the regular season on Thursday.  The Pioneers tip-off on Senior Night at 7:30 p.m. versus Genesee CC.