BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Jan. 4, 2007) – Three different starters fueled separate streaks to lead Alvernia College to a 94-60 win over Penn State-Berks Thursday evening in non-conference men’s basketball action at the Physical Education Center.  Senior Ryan Finger (Lancaster, PA/Lampeter Strasburg) scored five of the first 11 points, Garrett Etzel (Shillington, PA/Governor Mifflin) scored 10 of 12 at one stretch, and Terrence Shawell (Pottstown, PA/Pottstown) knocked down five second half 3s to carry the Crusaders.

            Finger’s early effort helped Alvernia (7-2) open up a 17-6 lead, and Etzel’s streak, which included two of his four first-half 3s, fueled a 12-5 run that gave the hosts a 16-point lead.  Shawell, who had just five points at the break, hit five 3s in the first 8:25 of the second half and finished the night with a game-high 20 points.

            Alvernia pushed its first half lead to as many as 24 points and was never threatened as the Maroon and Gold extended its home winning streak to 15 games.  Finger finished with 15 points on an efficient 6-for-7 effort from the floor and three free throws.  The 6-1 guard also handed out a team-best seven assists.

            Etzel scored all 16 of his points in the first half and freshman Matt King (Phoenixville, PA/St. Pius X) finished the night with 14 points.  Fourteen different players entered the scoring column for Alvernia including reserve guards Brett Ames (Phoenixville, PA/St. Pius X) and Nathan Conway (Denver, PA/Cocalico) who both hit their first collegiate 3s on successive possessions in the second half.

            The Lions (0-9) were led by sophomore guard Joe Askew (Philadelphia, PA/West Catholic) who scored 14, and Dominic Allen (Steelton, PA/Steelton) and Adam Fusco (Norristown, PA/Norristown) finished with 13 apiece.

            Alvernia will take another week off before hosting conference foe Arcadia next Thursday in a women’s and men’s doubleheader starting at 6:00 p.m.

Alvernia 94, Penn State Berks 60