Alfred, NY- The Alfred State Men's Basketball Team dropped an early lead on senior day against Penn State Altoona, 98-80. The Pioneers head into the AMCC tournament with a 5-20 overall record, 3-13 in the conference.
 
Darius Cunningham Jr. led the Pioneers with a season-high of 30 points in tonight's match-up. Ben Sneddon also contributed heavily as he knocked down 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Elijah Kioka added 11 of his own points and five rebounds.
 
Alfred State came out sharp, jumping to an early lead behind Sneddon and Kioko. Sneddon scored the Pioneers' first five points and added a fastbreak finish, while Kioko knocked down a three to push the advantage to 8–0 in the opening minutes. Altoona found their momentum midway through the half, grabbing their first lead that was quickly cut short by the Pios. Cunningham Jr. provided a major spark, burying three, threes to help ASC regain their momentum, 28-20 with nine minutes left in the first half. The Lions answered back and took the lead by six heading into halftime, 39-33.
 
Penn State Altoona opened the second half on a quick run but Alfred State responded with steady productions from Cunningham Jr. and Eli Taft. Cunningham Jr. continued to dominate offensively, knocking down multiple threes and attacking the paint to bring Pioneers within five, 61-56. The Lions pulled away, pushing past a 20 point advantage in the closing minutes to secure the 98-80 victory.
 
The Pios will head to the #3 seed, La Roche on February 24^th for the first round of the AMCC tournament, tip off set for 7 pm.