BOX SCORE

Williamsport, Pa. (Feb. 13, 2010) - Alvernia University (13-8, 7-4) shot 50 percent from the floor and put four players in double figures in an 81-61 win over Lycoming College (7-15, 4-7) Saturday afternoon in Commonwealth Conference women's basketball action at Lamade Gymnasium.

Junior forward Alex Velazquez (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) scored 16 points to lead the Crusaders who could solidify their playoff spot if Albright loses to Lebanon Valley this afternoon.

Alvernia ran off a 34-5 run in the first half to push ahead by 22 points and cruised to the victory over a team that was playing well coming into play Saturday.

Sophomore Allie Toczylowski (Mantua, N.J./Clearview Regional) and senior Joanna Graber (Manalapan, N.J./Notre Dame) combined for the last 12 points of the run.  Toczylowski dropped three straight layups and finished the day with 13 points.  Graber hit two 3s at the front and back of the run and finished with 14 points fueled by a 4-of-5 effort from beyond the 3-point arc.

The Crusaders led by 20 points at the break, 41-21, and the Warriors never got closer than 16 points in the second half.  Alvernia held Lycoming to just eight buckets in the first half on 25 shots including 1-for-9 from the arc.  Alvernia shot 30-of-60 for the game including 5-for-10 from the arc.

Alvernia is in position to join Lebanon Valley (10-1), Messiah (9-2), and Widener (9-3) in the playoffs with seedings determined in the final week of play next week.  The Crusaders finish the season at Albright Tuesday then home for Messiah on Thursday in a make-up game, and Lebanon Valley on Saturday.

Alvernia 81, Lycoming 61