Bobcats Lose to Alfred University, Fall to 3-1 on the Season

ALFRED, NY -- On Saturday, November 17th, the Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo Bobcats fought a tough battle but fell short to a balanced and well-organized Alfred University basketball team, 80-73.

In the first half, the Bobcats led for the majority of the time. Behind solid performances by Tyrell Mitchell and Jordan Street, Buffalo controlled the paint and finished well at the rim.

It really wasn't until two minutes left in the first half that the Alfred University Saxons turned up the defensive pressure, going to a 1-2-2  three quarter court zone press that fell back into a man to man. The press not only forced some costly turnovers, but seemed to keep the Bobcats from initiating their offense.

At this point in the game, the score was 30-27 with the Bobcats holding on to a small lead. Then Cole Eells stepped beyond the arch to hit back to back three pointers. The Saxons led for the first time in the game, 33-30.

To make matters worse, Damone Brown Jr. went down with an ankle sprain and hobbled back to the bench. After a series of ill-advised passes, the crowd began to rally around the home team. Scotty Stopera knocked down his only three pointer of the night to put Alfred up 36-30. Rushing up the floor, Buffalo made another costly turn over, and to end the half, Cole Eells made them pay, hitting another mid range jumper at the buzzer.

After an 11 point swing, Alfred went from having their first lead of the game in the last two minutes of the half, to being up eight points at halftime.

As the second half got underway, the Saxons continued to slowly build on that 11 point swing. Even as Buffalo turned up the full court pressure, Alfred moved the ball and set up methodically on the other end, working the clock and the defense, until they found a good shot. It was a complete and balanced attack. Five Saxons finished in double figures with Senior, Sage Brown, leading the way with 18 points. Cole Eells and Elliot Brown also added 13  points each, while Scotty Stopera and Sam Dagon finished with 11 points.

But the Bobcats weren't finished. The tough play of Kevin Ford ignited one last run. Penetrating to the hoop, Ford broke down the defense and finished strong at the rim. His inspired play seemed to not only intimidate the Saxon's smaller perimeter players, but once more wake up Tyrell Mitchell. Mitchell euro-stepped his way to the basket more than a couple of times, and with 58 seconds left on the clock, the Bobcats were again in contention, cutting the lead to four points, 73-69. 

Mitchell finished the game with 32 points, a contained Nicc Johnson contributed 14 points, and Ford's tough play earned him six points, six assists, and five rebounds, but in the end, it wasn't enough to get the win. Forced to foul in the final 30 seconds, the Saxons would once again work the clock and stretch out the lead to win, 80-73.

For Alfred University, they improve to 3-0 on the season, and the BSC - Buffalo Bobcats lose their first game to go 3-1 on the year. Monday, November 19th, the Bobcats get a chance at redemption at Burt Flickinger Athletic Center as they return home to face Point Park at 7pm.