Runs Lift Fisher Past Pioneers

St. John Fisher used a big run in the 1st half and another in the 2nd as they were able to outlast Alfred State 82-62 in the 1st round of the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa Tournament. The Pioneers were playing for the first time in nearly three weeks.

Alfred State led 16-14 eight minutes into the game before the hosts went on a 15-4 to take the lead. The Cardinals added to their lead and held a 46-32 lead at the break. The Pioneers didn't go away and get fighting. They cut the lead to 65-58 with just over eight minutes left but the blue and gold would never get any closer. SJFC finished the game (8:48) on a 17-6 run to seal the victory.

Tahaij Lewis (Rochester/Greece Olympia) led Alfred State with 18 points while Owen Spencer (Perry) was 7 for 10 from the field and finished with 16 points. Josh Reding (Rochester/Spencerport) finished with 8 while Dante Jordan (New York/Law & Public Service) and Juwan Toliver (Buffalo/McKinley) each had seven.

Sammy Robinson led all scorers with 24 points on 10 for 16 shooting while Ryan Henderson added 22. Matt Asenjo also finished in double digits with 11.

Alfred State shot 26 for 60 from the field (43.3%) while Fisher shot 32 for 65 from the field (49.2%). The Cardinals were 7 for 23 from three while the Pioneers were 5 for 18. SJFC held a large 41-29 rebounding advantage and forced ASC into 16 turnovers.

The Pioneers will play Keystone tomorrow in the consolation game at 1 p.m. In the other opening round match-up Cortland defeated Keystone 107-79.