Pioneers Pick Up AMCC Victory over D'Youville

The Alfred State men's basketball team used a solid 2nd half as they defeated D'Youville 71-66 to earn their first AMCC victory. The victory was also the 250th for Pioneer head coach Jerry Jusianiec.

The Spartans led most of the first half and went into the break with a 36-31 lead. Alfred State went on a 8-2 run to start the 2nd half and grab the lead. The game was tied at 45-45 when the Pioneers went on another run, a 16-6 run, to take control of the game. D'Youville didn't go away as they cut the lead to 69-66 in the closing seconds. They had the ball but a three-point attempt to tie the game was blocked by Tavion Williams to seal the Pioneers victory.

Ryan Gentile (Spencerport) led the Pioneers with 20 points and five assists. Markel Jenkins (Elmira) had a big day with nine points, 16 boards, four blocks, and four assists. Josh Reding (Spencerport) chipped in 12 points while Williams came off the bench with eight points and five boards. The Pioneers shot 38.5% from the field, 38.9% from three, and 73.7% from the line.

Grant Beyer led the Spartans (1-4, 0-2 AMCC) with 20 points while Juan Miguel Rosales had a double-double with 17 points and 11 boards. Devon Darrell chipped in eight points, nine assists, and five boards. D'Youville shot 38.8% from the field, 33.3% from three, and 41.7% (5 for 12) from the line.

Jusianiec is in his 21st season and has the most wins in program history (250-303).

The Pioneers are back in action next Wednesday when they travel to Pitt Bradford for a 6 p.m. contest with the Panthers.