BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Feb. 11, 2010) - Senior center Nick Rivera (Reading, Pa./Holy Name) dropped in a layup with under a minute to play then blocked a shot at the other end preserving a three-point lead and Alvernia University (15-7, 6-5) held off Widener University (11-11, 4-7) for a crucial 75-71 win Thursday evening in Commonwealth Conference men's basketball action at the Physical Education Center.

"That was big," said Alvernia head coach Mike Miller, speaking of Rivera's rejection.  "That possession was big."

The possession came on the heels of the Crusaders nearly giving away a six-point lead with three minutes to play.

Widener cut five points off a 69-63 deficit, the final three courtesy an and-one from senior guard Bobby Edmunds, who a week ago buried Albright with a buzzer-beater.  Alvernia sophomore Tad Gillis (Upper Darby, Pa./Upper Darby) fed Rivera from the top of the key the next time down the floor to pu t the Crusaders up three, and then rebounded Rivera's swat on the layup attempt by Chris McDevitt.

Gillis and junior Seth Cornell (Millersville, Pa./Penn Manor) hit 1-of-2 each from the free throw line to push the lead to five with eight seconds to go, and that was enough to hold off the Pride.

Widener had four players in double figures led by Edmunds with 18.  Alvernia had all five starters reach double figures led by Cornell's 20.  Gillis has 14 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.  Rivera finished with 13 points, Brian Nerney (Middletown, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) had a dozen, and Stephan Thompson (Philadelphia, Pa./G.A.M.P.) added 11.

Widener finished a back and forth affair in the first half with a slim 31-30 lead at halftime and took a three-point lead early in the second.

"We put Nick in the high post in the second half," said Miller of the team's halftime adjustment.  "We used him more as a passer and he was getting people open shots."

The Crusaders knocked down 61 percent of their shots in the second half and shot 53 percent for the game.  They also took care of the ball finishing with a 2:1 assist to turnover ration.

"They're forcing teams into a lot of turnovers," said Miller of the Widener style, "and we only had nine."

It's just the third time this season the Crusaders have committed fewer than 10 turnovers.

Alvernia, which currently sits a half game out of a playoff spot, has one day to prepare for a Saturday trip to Lycoming College and will finish the season at Albright next Tuesday then home vs. Lebanon Valley on Saturday.

Alvernia 75, Widener 71