Saturday featured a pair of victories for Alfred State over Alfred University in Alfred Cup action. The football team won the Traffic Light Trophy for the second straight year with a hard fought 14-12 victory at Alfred University while hours later the men's basketball team took a 62-55 victory over AU in the season opening BSN Tip-Off Tournament.
Alfred State scored a pair of first half touchdowns to build a 14-0 lead. Noah Currier capped a 88-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and Chase Shepanski connected with Jordan Jackson on a 15-yard scoring strike in the final moments of the half. The second touchdown was set up by a Trevor Maly.
The Saxons controlled possession for most of the second half. They kicked a pair of field goals to cut the lead to 14-6.
AU was driving late in the fourth quarter when Ceon Miles III forced a fumble recovered by Aaron Ellis ending the threat. The Saxons made a defensive stand of their own and drove down the field in the final minutes to score a touchdown to cut the lead to two. Alfred State's defense held on the two-point conversion to seal the victory.
Currier led the offense with 144 yards rushing while Chris Bergman led the defense with nine tackles. ASC forced a pair of turnovers.
Full Athletic Department Release
On the basketball court, the Pioneers carried a 29-24 lead into halftime. The Pioneers quickly extending the lead in the second half. and pushed their lead to 55-39 with just under nine minutes remaining. AU made a run and cut the lead to 57-53 but ASC didn't let them get any closer in the final 47 seconds.
Walter Pierre-Louis led the Pioneers with 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals while Kennyh Hardeman added 13 points and eight rebounds while recording three steals and a blocked shot.
Alfred State defeated former AMCC opponent Carlow 80-72 on Friday evening to advance to the championship game.
Full Athletic Department Release
Alfred State currently leads the Alfred Cup 9-3.