GALLATIN, Tenn. -- The Heidelberg University Men's Basketball team closed the book on 2023 with a 72-58 win over Alfred University on the second day of the Music City Classic. The Student Princes rallied from a 10-point hole in the first half and improved to 8-3 on the season.  

Isaiah Young was 10-of-16 from the floor, finishing with a game-high 26 points. Eric Panning notched his 11th double-double in 11 games, finishing with 20 points and 13 rebounds. With a 12-point effort, Tre Watkins was the third Student Prince in double figures.  

Trailing 24-14 with 8:29 to play in the first half, Heidelberg fought back with an 8-2 run -- ignited by a dunk from Panning. The Saxons answered and led 32-24 at the half.  

Still down eight three minutes into the second half, Heidelberg embarked on an 18-5 run over the span of 6:28.  The run -- which featured eight points from Young and five from both Panning and Jashun Cobb -- gave The Berg a 48-40 lead midway through the half.  

The Saxons were able to whittle the 'Berg lead down to five on one occasion, but free throws from Young a triple-hit from Watkins reinflated the cushion.  

For the game, Heidelberg held a 13-2 edge in steals -- including four from Watkins.  

The Student Princes ring in the new year with a tall task. HU travels to John Carroll -- ranked No. 1 in that last D3hoops.com Top 25 (released Dec. 11) on Wednesday. Tipoff in University Heights is scheduled for 7 p.m.