ALFRED, NY — The Alfred University men’s basketball team came back from an early 13-point deficit to defeat Elmira, 64-45, Friday night in an Empire 8 Conference matchup.

The Saxons were down, 18-5, with 11:07 remaining in the first half when Alfred went on a run and outscored the Soaring Eagles, 17-4, to tie the game, 22-22, at intermission. AU shot 30 percent in the first half and Elmira shot 33 percent.

The Saxons jumped out to a 25-22 lead with a three pointer by junior guard Gary Kwiecien (Perry, NY/Perry) and maintained the lead for the rest of the game. For the game Alfred shot 43 percent, while Elmira (3-20, 1-13 Empire 8) shot 29 percent.

Kwiecien scored a game-high 22 points and pulled down five rebounds to pace the Saxons (11-13, 4-11 Empire 8). Junior guard Mike Stopera (Scotia, NY/Scotia-Glenville) netted 14 points and dished out a game-high five assists. Senior forward Ron Smith (Lyons, NY/Lyons) added 10 points and senior forward Jared Patt (Nelson, PA/Elkland Area) chipped in with six points and a team-high seven boards.

Bobby DiPiazza scored a team-high 13 points to lead Elmira. Jon Adamson netted eight points and had a team-high six rebounds.

Alfred will play its season finale on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. against visiting Nazareth.