Pioneers Down Altoona in Saturday Showdown

Alfred, NY - The Alfred State men's basketball team defeated Penn State Altoona 81-72. The Pioneers improve to 11-10 overall and 9-5 in AMCC action. 

Ryan Rosa led the way for the Pioneers with a new career high of 25 points including 4-of-5 shooting from three-point range. Michael Miller pitched in 21 points and Dylan Perry added 18 points including four three pointers. 

Perry, coming off a game winner last game vs Wells got the Pioneers started with three back-to-back-to-back three-pointers in the first four minutes to give Alfred State an early 12-10 lead. The Pioneers went up by 12 with 6:06 left in the first half after Paris Jamison found Rosa for a layup. Jamison recorded 6 assists in this game. The Lions responded with an 8-0 run to bring them within four, 38-34, but they ultimately trailed by 5 at the half, 40-35.  

Miller got the Pionners started with a three-pointer in Alfred State's first possession of the second half. A corner three-pointer from Rosa put the Pioneers up by eight, 50-42 with 16:06 remaining. Alfred State led for the entire second half. Every run from Penn State Altoona was countered with a run from Alfred State. A layup from Miller extended the lead 62-53 for the Pioneers. With 2:30 remaining, Rosa intercepted a pass and glided for a dunk on the other end. On the next possession, Rosa hit his fourth three-pointer of the game to build the lead for the Pioneers, 75-63. Perry sealed the game for the Pioneers at the line and they defeated the Lions 81-72. The Pioneers split the season series 1-1 with Penn State Altoona. 

The Pioneers will travel to Braford, PA and face off against the Panthers of Pitt-Bradford on Wednesday, February 7th. 

Written by: Ryan Rosa