Pittsburgh, PA- The Alfred State Men's Basketball team fell short against the La Roche Redhawks despite a strong effort, 81-72. The Pios are now 5-19 on the season, 3-12 in conference play.
 
Mykell Lawson and Darius Cunningham Jr. led the way for the Pioneers in this match-up. Lawson laid in 31 points and grabbed four rebounds while Cunningham Jr. tacked on 26 points and tallied seven rebounds.
 
The Pioneers responded to an early La Roche run with a stretch of efficient play late in the first half. The Pioneers found rhythm offensively as Cunningham Jr. controlled the glass and finished through contact in the paint, while Lawson knocked down timely shots to cut into the deficit. Alfred State continued to chip away at the margin with solid ball movement and second-chance points, briefly pulling within one possession before the Redhawks slowed the tempo and converted a late free throw to hold a 41–39 lead at the break.
 
ASC came back on the floor strong with a Cunningham Jr. layup early to keep them close. Kennyh Hardeman added a few buckets on second-chances while Joe Bauer contributed with a timely tip-in to keep the Pioneers within striking distance. La Roche continued to answer back each time with fastbreak layups. The Pios continued to battle but to no eval as the Redhawks closed out the comeback the Pioneers were trying to make, 81-72.
 
The Pios will host their final game of the season this Saturday against Penn State Altoona, tip off set for 4 pm. Senior day recognition will begin prior to the start.