BOX SCORE BOX SCORE

Jersey City, N.J. (Nov. 27, 2011) - Alvernia University (1-2) shot 33 percent from the floor and 56 percent from the free throw line in a 63-49 loss to New Jersey City University Sunday afternoon in non-conference men's basketball action at NJCU.

Alvernia got a team-best 15 points from sophomore Brian Parker (Chichester, Pa./Chichester).  He was the only play with more than five points for the Crusaders.  Take his 5-for-10 effort from the floor off the board and the starters shot 5-for-29.

NJCU got a game-opening 3 from senior guard Keith Williams and never trailed.  The first half lead hit 15 points, 29-14 with 90 seconds left before the break, but Alvernia was able to close on a 7-1 spurt to pull within nine points, 30-21 at halftime.

NJCU pushed the lead back to 15 points over the first four minutes of the second half, and held a double digit lead the rest of the way.

Alvernia senior Brian Nerney (Middletown, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) led the team with seven rebounds and three different players had a team-high two assists.

The Crusaders have two days to right the ship before starting their Commonwealth title defense Wednesday at Widener University.

NJCU 63, Alvernia 49