Pioneers Ride Past Express

The Alfred State men's basketball team used a 24 to 8 run in the 2nd half to earn their second straight victory, 76-67 over Wells on Monday evening. The Pioneers are now 3-2 on the young season.

In a back and forth 1st half, the Pioneers held a slight 38-36 lead at the break. The game featured eight ties and seven lead changes and was tied at 47-47 with 14:19 remaining when the blue & gold went on the decisive run. The 24 to 8 run built the Pioneers lead to 71-55 with just over five minutes remaining. Wells would not get any closer than seven points the rest of the way. 

Alexshay Pearce (Rochester/Charlotte) hit five 3-pointers and led the Pioneers with 22 points. He added 10 rebounds to record the double-double and chipped in five assists. Marcus Rhett (Middletown) finished with 15 points, Juwan Toliver (Buffalo/McKinley) had 14 points and eight boards, and Dante Jordan (New York/Law and Public Service).

The Pioneers shot 50.8% (31 for 61) from the field, hit 58.3% from three and from the foul line (7 for 12). The blue & gold outrebounded the Express 45 to 24 in the contest including 17 offensive boards.

Rich Ross led three Wells players in double figures with 25 point on 8 for 19 shooting. 21 of Ross' points came in the 1st half as Owen Spencer (Perry) played solid defense and limited Ross to just 2 for 10 shooting in the 2nd half. Macho DeJesus finished with 19 and David Dames added 10. The Express shot 42.1% from the field, 30.8% from three, and 68.8% from the foul line.

The Pioneers return to the Orvis Activities Center on Friday when they take on Allegany County rival Houghton. Opening tip is slated for 7:30 p.m.