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Manhattan, NY -- Josh Keys '14 knocked down a career high eight three-pointers as the Elmira College men's basketball team (0-1) fell to #20 Morrisville State (0-1), 81-75.  Elmira led 36-30 at the half but 51 second half points by the Mustangs of Morrisville would prove to be too much as the Soaring Eagles fell in the season opener.

EC got off to a hot start as they jumped out to a 16-7 lead behind four made three-point baskets.  Of those four made three pointers, Keys buried three of them while Neil Randolph '15 hit the other. 

From there, the teams would trade runs with Elmira taking a 23-21 lead before the Soaring Eagles pieced together a 10-2 run to take their largest lead of the game at 33-23.  EC's Randolph ignited the Elmira charge as he scored all 10 points for the Purple and Gold during the run, knocking down a three pointer, converting an and-one satiation, as well as a layup and a jumper.  Elmira would go on to take a 36-30 lead into halftime. Randolph led all first half scorers with 13 points while Keys added another nine points. 

The second half was a back-and-forth affair as three lead changes occurred as well as seven ties.  Unfortunately, the Mustangs would go on a 17-7 run starting at the 7:44 mark to take their largest lead of the contest at 77-67 with 41 seconds remaining in the game.  EC would fight back, outscoring Morrisville 8-4 in the final 41 seconds but it would not be enough as the Soaring Eagles fell 81-75.

Elmira had three double-digit scorers with Keys leading all players with a game high 24 points.  Randolph checked-in next with 20 points and Derrick Vogel '14 added 13 points while grabbing five boards and five assists.

EC will look to bounce back tomorrow as the Soaring Eagles take on Drew University tomorrow in a 3:00 p.m. game in New York, NY at the NYU Tip-Off Tournament.