UTICA, NY - A competitive matchup for the Alfred University men's basketball team led to a 73-59 loss to Utica University on Saturday from the Clark Athletic Center. 

The Saxons (11-4, 6-2 Empire 8) shot 43.1 percent from the field, while the Pioneers (12-2, 7-0 Empire 8) only turned the ball over eight times. 

Alfred University was led by Mike Schmidt (Olean, NY/Olean), who finished with a team-high 19 points to go with five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Casey Curran (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) ended the game with eight points and five boards. Elliot Bowen (Salamanca, NY/Ellicotville) added nine points and four rebounds for AU. 

"A lot of credit to Utica," Head Coach Erich Kaempffe said. "They're a terrific team and played well. We didn't do a great job making it hard enough for them.

Schmidt opened scoring for the Saxons to begin the first half, but an early 7-0 run by the Pioneers had AU playing from behind. Multiple three-point shots from Anthony Ruffino (Buffalo, NY/Niagara Wheatfield) tied the game with under 14 minutes remaining in the first half. Utica put together an 8-1 run to close out the opening half, leaving Alfred University behind 30-21 going into halftime. 

An early basket in the second half from the Pioneers put the Saxons behind by double-digit figures. Moments later, a three-point shot from Schmidt had AU trailing by just four points with over 16 minutes to play. Alfred University narrowed their deficit to one point before Utica put together an 11-2 run to extend their lead with under eight minutes remaining. Schmidt scored six points across the final seven minutes of action, but the Pioneers were able to find open shots to close the game and hang on for the win. 

"We nee some rest an then to get our guys ready for a talented Medaille team," Kaempffe said.

Alfred University will next return home to face Medaille University on Tuesday at 7:30 PM.