Five Pioneers Score in Double Digits in Season Opening Victory at RIT

Five members of the Alfred State men's basketball team scored in double figures as the Pioneers defeated RIT 92-87 in the season opener for both teams.

The Pioneers shot 62.5% from the field in the first half and built a 55-39 lead at the break. The lead reached 21 points early in the 2nd half but the Tigers mounted a comeback that saw the lead cut all the way down to three, 90-87, in the final seconds. Ryan Rosa (Middletown) made two foul shots with nine seconds left to seal the victory.

Basheem Wilkerson (Brooklyn/John Jay) led Alfred State with 17 points off the bench. He was 8 for 11 with a team high eight boards, five assists, and four steals. Tavion Williams (Bronx/FDA) finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, Josh Reding (Spencerport) added 13, Rosa finished with 12 points, and Isaiah Kostyal (Poughkeepsie/Arlington) chipped in 10 points. 43 of Alfred State's points came off the bench.

The Pioneers finished the game shooting 50% (33 for 66) from the field and 36.4% (8 for 22) from three. They held a 47-40 advantage on the boards and forced the Tigers into 19 turnovers.

Kevin Ryan led RIT with 28 points and eight rebounds. He was 11 for 18 from the field. Brandon Weiss came off the bench and scored 11. The Tigers shot 42% from the field and 20.6% from three.

The Pioneers head across the street on Friday to take on St. Lawrence in the opening round of the Special Tee's Tournament. Alfred State takes on the Saints at 5 p.m. followed by Alfred University taking on Ithaca at 7 p.m.