BOX SCORE 

Reading, Pa. (Feb. 20, 2010) – The Crusader's play-off hopes were dashed this afternoon after a 70-76 loss to Lebanon Valley (11-13, 6-6) on their home court in their last regular season game. Alvernia (15-10, 6-8) was led by a gutsy 24 points from junior Seth Cornell (Millersville, Pa./Penn Manor) and led by as many six, but it was not enough as the Dutchmen pulled away in the second half. Seniors Charlie Hughes (Kenhorst, Pa./Governor Mifflin) and Nick Rivera (Reading, Pa./Holy Name) were honored before the game. 

The Dutchmen got off to a hot start scoring the first five points of the game and they would not relinquish the lead until 12:14 in the first half when a free throw from Cornell tied the game. Alvernia built on Cornell's free throw to build their lead to six at 7:53 after a timely tip-in from Brian Nerney (Middletown, NJ/Red Bank Catholic). The rest of the first half was a back-and-forth affair that ended with the Crusaders up by two points at the half. 

The Dutchmen came out hard in the second half to quickly give the game its fifth tie of the afternoon at 33 apiece. The second half saw two more ties and no team lead by more than six points. Lebanon Valley led for most of the second half but Alvernia would cut their lead to just two with 1:45 remaining. The Dutchmen used two layups and six consecutive free throw shots to go on an 8-4 run to end the game at 76-70 in favor of Lebanon Valley. 

Both teams were impressive from the floor with the Crusaders shooting 44.6% and the Dutchmen not far behind with 44.3%. Cornell led all scorers with 24, while Tad Gillis (Upper Darby, Pa./Upper Darby) added 15 of his own and senior Rivera had 12 points and seven rebounds. 

Lebanon Valley 76, Alvernia 70