ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men’s basketball team picked up a 89-67 victory over Houghton College, Friday evening at McLane Center.

Junior forward Jason Ruback (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford-Mendon) started things up for the Saxons in the first half, scoring 10 points and going four for seven from the field.  A late rally by Houghton would leave the Saxons on top only by two (34-32) at intermission.

The game would stay close up until there was about 13 minutes remaining in the match.  AU blew open a lead and did not look back, outscoring Houghton 55-35 in the second half.  For the game, AU outshot Houghton in every aspect, shooting 62 percent from the field, 57 percent from the free throw line, and an impressive 62 percent from beyond the arc.

Junior guard Thomas Tsatsis (Neponsit, NY/Townsend Harris) went on a 16 point tear in the second half, finishing with a double-double of 20 points (game-high) and 10 rebounds (team-high) to pace the Saxons. Senior guard Sean Curran (Honesdale, PA/Honesdale), junior center Gerald Colas (Houston, TX/Cypress Ridge), and Ruback all finished in double digits, scoring 14, 13, and 12 points each.

Alfred (6-14, 3-8 Empire 8) looks to sweep Elmira in their second meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 8 p.m.