Bold headline: The Clarkson Knights are closing 2025 with a crucial home matchup, and they’re hungry to finish the year on a strong note.
And this is where it gets interesting: Clarkson hosts the Alfred State Pioneers at Alumni Gymnasium on December 15, with noon tip-off. The game also features a day where students from nearby districts are invited to watch, adding energy and a broader college basketball atmosphere to the gym.
Live coverage options include real-time stats and video for those following from afar:
- Live Stats: https://clarksonathletics.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary
- Live Video: https://clarksonathletics.com/sports/2017/11/21/clarkson-mens-basketball-from-alumni-gymnasium.aspx
For prep work, you can check out Clarkson’s roster and schedule, as well as Alfred State’s roster and schedule:
- Clarkson Roster and Schedule: https://clarksonathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster - https://clarksonathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule
- Alfred State Roster and Schedule: https://alfredstateathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster - https://alfredstateathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule
The Series history remains favorable to Clarkson, holding a 2-0 lead in the all-time matchup, thanks to a 2019-20 win and a 77-63 victory in Alfred last season. In that Alfred game, Braeden Burns posted a standout 27-point, 14-rebound double-double, helping Clarkson pile up 42 points in the paint.
Key stats for Clarkson (4-4, 0-3 Liberty League): Clarkson returns to Alumni Gymnasium after two Liberty League setbacks at RPI and Union (Dec. 5-6). The Knights shot 31% from the field (18-59) and 19% from three (7-23) in those games—lowest marks of the season—yet they limited turnovers to nine in each contest. Burns leads with 16 PPG and 5.9 RPG at a 49% field-goal clip. Steve DeRegis tallied 23 points at Union, averaging 13.8 PPG and 2.5 APG. Aydin Kocak contributed 11 and 12 points across the weekend, drilling seven of 14 attempts from three over the two days.
Key stats for Alfred State (2-9, 0-3 AMCC): The Pioneers have produced only 105 points over their last two games, including a 61-91 loss to Pittsburgh at Greensburg. They shot 34% from the field (22-65) and 31% from three (8-26). Double-digit scorers include Mykell Lawson at 17.7 PPG and Darius Cunningham Jr. at 15.7 PPG, with Cunningham Jr. also grabbing a team-high 6.3 RPG. Cunningham Jr. leads on defense with 17 steals through 11 games, while Lawson has been active on the ball with his steals. Eli Taft has split starting and bench duties this season, averaging 7.3 PPG and 2.5 APG.
Why this game matters: Clarkson seeks momentum to close out 2025, leveraging home-court familiarity and balanced scoring to counter a visiting Alfred State squad eager to shake off a recent scoring drought. The matchup also offers a chance for junior leaders to showcase consistency and for newcomers to contribute meaningful minutes as the schedule heats up in 2026.
Thought-provoking takeaway: If Clarkson can tighten shooting efficiency and maintain discipline with quick ball movement, they’ll translate those improvements into more comfortable wins. But here’s the controversial question: should Clarkson lean more on inside scoring or expand their offense with additional three-point looks to capitalize on Alfred State’s defensive gaps? Share your view in the comments: what mix of shot selection do you think yields the best results for Clarkson down the stretch?
Notes: For fans planning to attend or follow from afar, remember to check the live stats and video links provided above for real-time updates and full game coverage.
