Alfred, NY – The Elmira College Men's Basketball team closed out its season falling on the road at Alfred University, 61-53, Saturday afternoon. The win improves the Saxons to 15-10 overall and 6-8 in Empire 8 play, while the loss drops the Soaring Eagles to 1-24 overall and 1-13 in conference competition.

 

Alfred led early 10-4 but over the next nine minutes Elmira used an 18-2 run to take a commanding 22-12 lead with just less than five minutes remaining in the opening half. However, the Saxons closed the half on a 13-0 spurt to take a 25-22 advantage into intermission. Chris Cassidy '14 (Colts Neck, NJ -- Colts Neck) and Kurt Dutcher '14 (Gaylord, MI -- Gaylord) led EC with eight points apiece.

 

The Purple and Gold led by as many as six with eight minutes remaining after a Neil Randolph '15 (Wicklow, Ireland -- Presentation) three-pointer. Over the next five minutes Alfred went on another 13-0 run to take a commanding, 55-48 lead with three minutes to play. The Saxons held off any attempt at a Soaring Eagle rally, prevailing 61-53.

 

Alfred dominated 26-10 in bench points. Cassidy led EC with 13 points, while Randolph added 11, including three buckets from downtown. Josh Parker led the Saxons with 21 points, while Mike Branche chipped in with 13. Elmira held a slight 29-27 advantage on the glass, while Alfred dominated 26-10 in bench points.

 

This closes out the Elmira College Men's Basketball 2011-12 season.

 

Alfred 61 Elmira 53