Alfred NY - The Alfred State men's basketball team notched an 84-71 home victory in their conference matchup against the Carlow Celtics. Alfred improves to 3-10 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

Darius Cunningham recorded a career-high 27 points, adding nine rebounds and four steals while newcomer Kennyh Hardeman delivered a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Ben Sneddon contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and anchored the defense with two blocks.

Both teams looked relatively even to begin the first few minutes of play as they traded baskets. Cunningham put the Pioneers on the board with a shot from long distance. After some time, the Celtics slowly began to pull ahead, jumping to a 32-17 advantage halfway through the first half. Alfred responded by scoring nine unanswered points, highlighted by efforts from JJ Howard, Hardeman, and Cunningham, 32-26. As the baskets kept trading, Alfred went on another crucial run to tie the game at 37-37. Cunnigham played a major role in the run, contributing a three-pointer and two layups while Hardeman scored a bucket in the paint as well. Alfred entered the break only trailing by three, 42-39.

The final half began with a key trip to the line for Sneddon as he cut the deficit to one after going 2-of-2 at the strip. Hunter Streb followed with a shot from deep and a layup to give the Pioneers their first lead of the game, 46-42. After some back-and-forth action, the Pioneers trailed 60-59. With 11:42 remaining before the final horn, Hardeman scored two decisive baskets in the paint to surge the momentum in Alfreds favor, 63-60. Shortly after, Cunningham followed an Eliijah Donegan jumper with a free throw and jumper of his own to pad the lead out to 68-60 with 8:21 left to play. Through highlights from Howard and Cunningham, the Pioneers remained in front for the rest of the game, closing out the victory, 84-71.

The Pioneers will hit the road to face off against the Altoona Lions next. Tipoff is set Saturday, Jan 10 at 4pm.