HAMBURG, N.Y.  – Alfred University connected on 56.7% of their shots from the field as they dealt Hilbert College a 91-74 defeat in men's basketball this afternoon.  The Hawks slipped to 5-1 overall and Alfred improved to 4-1 after Hilbert's final non-conference game in 2015.

David Arlaud posted team-high 18 points and Jerame Owens filled the stat-sheet with 14 points, eight rebounds, five steals and three blocks.  Xavier Major started the game strong and finished with 10 points and three offensive rebounds.

Today's game marked the first time this season where the Hawks shot less than 45% from the field, less than 20% from beyond the arc and less than 68% from the foul line.  As their opponent in purple and gold came ready to play, Alfred hit-the-Hawks-up for a season-high 56.7% shooting from the field.  The Saxons attempted the fewest 3-point shots of all opponents this year as their extra pass created a better shot with a higher scoring percentage.

Hilbert committed a season-low 11 turnovers but also were out-worked as they also were credited with a season low 12 assists and pulled down a season-low 18 defensive rebounds. 

Major powered the Hawks' first points on the board at 19:41 and Jalen Smith added a jumper in the paint for a quick 4-0 run to open the game.  Kirkland Ottey's long jumper gave Hilbert a 7-2 advantage before AU strung together three unanswered shots in the paint to take their first lead of the game at 17:13.  Major and Ottey repeated their earlier efforts and gave the Hawks' the lead back (12-8) which turned out to be their final lead of the game.

Slowly, Alfred pulled away from Hilbert scoring at least three buckets to every one Hilbert basket and they rode a 45-35 half time lead to the locker room.

Xavier Major sank one of two free throws in the opening minutes of the second half to cut the lead to less than 10, but that was as close as the Hawks would get the rest of the game.  Alfred built their largest lead (73-50) thanks to a made long-ball at 7:38. 

Arlaud (9 of 13), Owens (5 of 10) and Ottey (3 of 5) were the only Hawks to shoot 50% of better.

The Hawks have a few days to prepare for a rematch of last year's AMCC championship game against Medaille College (2-2) this Wednesday.  Hilbert will travel to North Buffalo's 400- seat capacity Sullivan Center for a 6pm tip off.