Strong Start Not Enough for Pioneers

The Alfred State men's basketball team started off fast but couldn't maintain the momentum as Penn State Altoona rallied for a 77-66 victory on Monday evening.

The Pioneers started the game on a 11-2 run and led by as many as 13, 21-8, halfway through the half. The Lions chipped away and trailed by six, 41-35, at the half. PSA started the 2nd half on a 21-6 run to take the lead and they never allowed the Pioneers back fully into the game. Altoona shot 44.4% in the 2nd half and outscored the Pioneers 42-25.

Ryan Gentile (Spencerport) and Josh Reding (Spencerport) both finished in double figures for the Pioneers. Gentile finished with 17 points and five boards while Reding had 13 points, seven boards, and four assists. Brandon Gosley (Valley Stream South) finished with nine while Paris Jamison (Brooklyn/East Side Community) and Tavion Williams (Bronx/FDA) both finsihed with seven.

Andruw Harman scored 14 of his team high 20 points in the 2nd half (4 for 9 from three). Austin Krise finsihed with 17 and Robbie Hicks added 16. Cameron Gardner-Nicholason chipped in nine and had 12 boards.

Alfred State shot 40.4% from the field on the day (4 for 19 from three) and 68.6% (24 for 35) from the line while Altoona shot 41.3% from the field (10 for 31 from three) and 53.6% (15 for 28) from the foul line. The Lions held a slight 42 to 38 rebounding advantage and forced the Pioneers into 22 turnovers. 

The blue & gold return to action on Wednesday when they continue their homestand vs. Pitt Bradford. Opening tip-off is at 6 p.m.