Pine Valley, NY—The Sage Colleges' men's basketball team escaped with an 86-85 road win in Empire 8 play as they topped Elmira College on Saturday afternoon. The win puts Sage at 9-11 overall and 4-7 in the Empire 8. Elmira drops to 3-16 overall and 1-9 in the league. With the win, Sage swept the Soaring Eagles this year in conference play and went 2-0 this week with a pair of conference victories.

The Gators held a 47-34 lead at the half, but led Elmira back into the contest late in the second half as they cut the Sage lead to just one point (78-77) with 1:51 left to play.  Sage was able to hold the lead and in the final two minutes of play watched the lead grow to eight points, 85-78 with 0:36 left to play. Elmira clawed back into the game and cut the lead to one point with a three-pointer at the buzzer by Jesse Adelson.

Sage shot 56.1% from the floor for the contest, converting 32-of-57 shots from the floor and holding a commanding edge on the boards, 45-29. The Gators had five different players finish in double-digit scoring as well.  Sophomore Isaiah Scurry (Albany, NY/Albany) led the team with his double-double on 19 points and 10 rebounds with four three-pointers.

Joining him in double-digit scoring was sophomore guard Anthony Mitchell (Bronx, NY/Salesian) with 17 points after making 80% of his shots, converting 8 of 10 field goals with six boards and two steals. Senior guard Wayne Weir (Bronx, NY/Samuel Gompers) chipped in 14 points with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals for Sage, junior center Kevin Lenehan (Delanson, NY/Duanesburg) and senior Barceem Dukes (Gloversville, NY/Gloversville) each added 12 points.

Elmira's Henry Cuffee led the contest with 22 points, while Jeremy Every chipped in with 18 points and Adelson finished with 17 points.

Sage will return to action on Tuesday, February 6 hosting Utica College in a 6 p.m. empire 8 contest at Kahl Gym.