Pioneers Battle Panthers Tough

The Alfred State men's basketball team battle tough but a strong 2nd half led Pitt-Bradford to a 56-49 victory on Tuesday evening. The Pioneers held a 18-17 lead at the break but the Panthers shot 40% and held a 39-31 advantage in the 2nd half.

Both teams struggled from the floor in the 1st half but the Pioneers took a one-point advantage into the break. With the game tied at 25-25, the Panthers went on a 21 to 8 run to grab a 46-35 lead. The Panthers held a at least a 10-point advantage until the Pioneers cut it to single digits in the final minute.

Zach Smith led Pitt-Bradford with 21 points on 8 for 14 shooting. Eric Matheson added 16 points (9 for 14 from the foul line) while Hiree Peoples led the team with nine boards. The Panthers shot only 29.% (18 for 61) for the game but forced the Pioneers into 24 turnovers.

Tommy Hutson (Brooklyn/Susan McKinney) was the lone Pioneers in double figures finishing with 11. Adam Fezza (Southhampton) finished with nine points and 11 boards, Tyler Elliott (Perry) had nine points and nine rebounds, and Jared Bard (Jordan Elbridge) added six off the bench. Alfred State shot 34% for the game and was only 10 for 21 from the foul line. The Pioneers did hold a 48 to 40 rebounding advantage.

The Pioneers are back at it on Sunday when they host Franciscan at 2 p.m.