Slow Start Hurts Pioneers

The Alfred State men's basketball team could not recover from a slow start and fell 63-55 at Maine Fort Kent on Friday evening. The Bengals, ranked #4 in the latest USCAA poll, are now 14-2 on the year.

The Bengals jumped out to as much as a 19-point lead before the Pioneers cut the lead to 34-21 at the half. The blue & gold cut the lead to six in the 2nd half but couldn't get any closer.

Justin Wallace (Mt. Vernon/Mt. St. Michael) led the team with 17 points. He was 7 for 12 from the field and connected on three 3-pointers. Tyler Elliott (Perry) finished with 11 points and 15 boards while Tyrone Davis (Brooklyn/Benjamin Banneker) finished with eight points and seven assists.

Joe McClosky came off the bench for the Bengals and led all scorers with 30 points on 14 for 23 shooting. Rosevelt Smith also finished in double-figures with 13.

Alfred State shot 30.9% from the field while UMFK shot 33.8%. The Pioneers held a 45 to 42 advantage on the boards but were slowed down by 15 turnovers. 

The blue & gold continue their road trip on Saturday when they battle Maine Presque Ilse. Opening tip is slated for 1 p.m.