ALBANY, N.Y. – Sophomore forward/center Maximus Michalski scored a team-high 19 points, but the St. John Fisher University men's basketball team fell to Russell Sage College, 85-70, on Saturday afternoon at the Kahl Campus Center. The Cardinals moved to 10-7 overall and 6-2 in Empire 8 play, while the Gators improved to 15-2 overall and 7-1 in conference action.

Michalski finished 8-of-17 from the floor and added eight rebounds and three blocks to pace Fisher. Giovanni Schillaci provided a spark off the bench with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including three 3-pointers. Jack Janes chipped in seven points, while Mekhi Gidney added six points and four rebounds in limited minutes.

Russell Sage was led by Khalel Noteman, who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Brandon Harris added 17 points. Pape Tunkara scored 16 points, largely at the free-throw line, as the Gators went 27-of-34 from the stripe.

Fisher settled in early and kept pace throughout the opening half. Michalski scored eight first-half points as the Cardinals answered multiple Russell Sage runs, tying the game at 14 midway through the period and again cutting the deficit to one late. Despite Fisher shooting 44.8 percent in the opening half, the Gators closed strong in transition and carried a 42-35 lead into the break.

The Cardinals opened the second half with renewed energy, as Alex Hayes knocked down a 3-pointer just 13 seconds in and Fisher pulled even at 42 on a fast-break layup by Andrew Violante. However, Russell Sage responded with a decisive run fueled by free throws and second-chance points, stretching the lead to double digits midway through the half.

Fisher continued to battle, with Schillaci drilling a pair of 3-pointers and Michalski scoring inside to keep the Cardinals within striking distance. A tip-in by Michalski cut the deficit to seven with just under 14 minutes remaining, but Russell Sage answered once again at the foul line, maintaining control down the stretch.

The Gators sealed the game late by converting 21-of-23 free throws in the second half, preventing Fisher from mounting a final push.

• Fisher held a 41-48 rebounding margin and scored 32 points in the paint.

• The Cardinals received 30 points from their bench.

• Fisher shot 40 percent from 3-point range (8-of-20).