Fast Start Lifts Pioneers to Finals

The Alfred State College men's basketball team outscored Northern Essex CC 22-5 in the first nine minutes of the contest en route to a 71-59 victory in the 1st round of the ASC Tournament.  The Pioneers will take on Fulton Montgomery CC in the championship game tomorrow.

ASC raced out to the 17-point early lead and led by 13 at half, 35-22.  They extended their lead to 65-35 but NECC made a comeback and closed the game to 68-59 but couldn't get any closer.

Alex Hall (Jamaica/Forest Hills) came off the bench and led Alfred with 20 points (5 for 9 from three).  Pat Parker (Queens/Hillcrest) finished with 18 points and six boards.  Thomas Stein (Cal-Mum) finished with seven and DaQuan Allen (Brooklyn/Boys & Girls) passed out nine assists.

Jordan DiMaggio led the Knights with 22 points while Sted Bourdeau chipped in nine.

ASC shot 44.1% from the field while NECC shot just 29.4%.

In the other opening round game, Fulton Montgomery CC used an attacking style to defeat Rockland CC 101-84.  Rockland will battle Northern Essex at 2:30 p.m. prior to the FMCC-ASC final at 4:30 p.m.