Alfred (5-4, 0-0 Empire 8) trailed at the half, 39-32, and closed to within five points midway through the second frame, before Denison pushed its lead to double digits and closed the game by making seven of eight free throws over the last three minutes.
Junior center Dillon Stein had 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead AU. Junior guard Rob McCarter and junior forward Ryan Clemenson each scored 11 points. Senior guard Quentin Bryant saw his first action of the season and had 10 points, four assists and a pair of steals in 26 minutes.
AU was hurt by poor shooting as the Saxons made 35 percent from the floor (15 percent from three-point range) and 46 percent from the line. The Saxons forced 20 turnovers but were outrebounded 51-39.
Forwards Dan Izzo and Robb Hern and center Dan Hodgkinson each scored 15 points to lead Denison (3-8), which shot 49 percent from the floor and 77 percent from the foul line. Hern also had a game-high 13 rebounds and five assists while Shea McMahon added 11 points and four boards.
Alfred plays in Friday’s 2 p.m. consolation game against the loser of Thursday night’s other first-round game between Case Western and Alma.