Offensive Struggles Slow Down Pioneers in ACAA Semifinals

The Alfred State men's basketball team could never get the offense going as they were defeated 60-44 by Pine Manor in the semifinals of the ACAA Tournament in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Neither team got much going offensively in the 1^st half. The Gators took a 12-5 lead in the first eight minutes and led 20-10 with just over eight minutes left in the half before the Pioneers cut the lead to 26-20 at the half.

In the 2^nd half, Alfred State trailed 34-32 with 11 minutes left but Pine Manor stretched the lead to 41-32 following a 7-0 run. With 6:55 remaining, the Gators led 41-38 but went on a 19 to 4 run to close the game to advance to the ACAA Championship game vs. Maine Presque Isle.

Dante Jordan (New York/Law & Public) recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead Alfred State (16-10). Owen Spencer (Perry) came off the bench and had seven points and six boards while Juwan Toliver (Buffalo/McKinley) finished with six points, six assists, and five rebounds.

The blue & gold was 15 for 50 from the field, 2 for 8 from three, and hit 12 of 13 foul shots. The team was slowed down by 22 turnovers.

Rasheed Bell and Jamel Hamans both had 13 points for the Gators (12-13). Ellis Reed was tough down low finishing with four points, 11 rebounds, and 10 blocks. Pine Manor shot 40.7% from the field, 22.2% from three, and 60% from the line.

The Pioneers will wait to see if they have earned a bid to the ECAC Tournament. The ECAC bracket will be announced on Monday.