UTICA,NY--The Alfred University men’s basketball team defeated Utica, 65-60, Saturday afternoon to earn their first Empire 8 win of the season.

AU held a 29-26 lead heading into intermission, shooting 39 percent from the floor. Utica led for the first time 44-40, with 9:41 remaining following an 8-0 run. AU regained the lead 47-46, with 7:32 remaining. The Pioneers would eventually tie the game at 58, but the Saxons quickly took the lead when sophomore guard Sean Curran (Honesdale, PA/Honesdale) nailed a three-pointer. A series of converted free-throws from junior guard Josh Parker (Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) secured AU their first conference victory of the season.

Curran finished with a team-high 17 to lead the Saxons. Sophomore center Brian Bobo (Ontario, NY/Wayne Central) scored 14 points and had seven rebounds, and senior point guard Gary Kwiecien (Perry, NY/Perry)netted 10 points, adding six assists. Parker finished with seven points, adding four assists and four rebounds.

Robert Whyte recorded a double-double scoring game-high’s in points (18) and rebounds (12) to pace Utica. James Patterson chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds.

Alfred is in action next on Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Elmira College.