BOX SCORE

Arlington, Va. (Nov. 17, 2006) – Richard Stockton used a 12-2 run midway through the second half to build a 16-point lead and held on for a 59-50 win over Alvernia College in game two of the Marymount University Tip-Off Tournament Friday afternoon.

            Stockton got a game-high 17 points from Lisa Neira and contributions from nine other players.  Alvernia was led by senior Lauren Fortna (Lebanon, PA/Lebanon Catholic) who tallied 13.  Kerry Higgs (Westminster, DE/Westminster) also reached double figures with 11 points and freshman Janelle Richardson (Manor, DE/Delcastle) also added 11.

            Richardson scored the first four points of the game for the Crusaders (0-1) and Fortna’s 3-pointer at 17:22 put Alvernia up five in the early going.  Richard Stockton answered with a 7-2 run led by four from Neira to tie the score at 9-all.  Neira scored again to put the Raptors up two and six minutes later Stockton held a 9-point lead following an 8-0 run.

            Alvernia responded with an Erin Knarr (Sinking Spring, PA/Wilson) bucket, but six straight for Stockton pushed the lead to 13 points, 27-14 with 2:57 left in the first half.  The Raptor lead grew to as many as 14 twice in the final two minutes, but Fortna’s 3 six seconds before the break sent the Crusaders to the locker room facing an 11-point deficit, 34-23.

            Neira opened the second half with a 3 to push the lead back to 14, but Alvernia ratted off eight straight capped by five from Richardson to cut the gap to 37-31 with 15:40 left to play.  Stockton responded with six straight to start its 12-2 run and held a lead as large as 17 points in the second frame.

            Alvernia cut the gap to seven points, 53-46 with 1:57 to play, but cold get no closer and the Raptos took the 9-point win.  Alvernia will face SUNY-Oswego Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

Richard Stockton 59, Alvernia 50