BOX SCORE

Annville, Pa. (Jan. 14, 2012) - Lebanon Valley College (9-6, 2-2) scored 24 of the last 30 points of the first half to turn a 17-16 lead into a 41-22 halftime lead and held off a second half charge from Alvernia University (10-4, 2-2) Saturday afternoon for a 71-64 win in Commonwealth Conference men's basketball action at LVC Gymnasium.

The Crusaders got a career-high 15 points from freshman Steve Schneider (Chalfont, Pa./Central Bucks South) in just 18 minutes, but couldn't overcome the early deficit.

Alvernia cut the gap down to six points, 54-48 with 7:41 to play on a Josh Vargas (Allentown, Pa./Faith Christian Academy), but LVC responded with back-to-back buckets to push the lead back to 10.  Alvernia came back with one final push.

Schneider hit a 3 with just over two minutes to play to cut the gap to five points, and after an LVC free throw the Crusaders had a shot to pull closer, but Vargas committed a turnover and the Dutchmen milked the clock down before scoring on a layup to go back up eight.

LVC put four players in double figures led by Danny Brooks who posted 20 points and 11 rebounds.  Alvernia was led by Vargas with 16, and Brian Nerney (Middletown, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) scored 13.

The Crusaders return home for an important matchup with crosstown rival Albright College on Wednesday.

Lebanon Valley 71, Alvernia 64