BOX SCORE Reading, Pa. (Jan. 15, 2014) - Junior
Harrison Deyo (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville) scored a career-high 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to lead Alvernia University (9-5, 4-3) to a 79-70 win over Widener University (8-6, 2-5) Wednesday evening in Commonwealth Conference men's basketball action at Jack McCloskey Court.
"It's the best game he's played since he got here," said Alvernia head coach
Mike Miller of the 6-6 forward.
Deyo hit 8-of-10 shots from the floor and knocked down four free throws in the final 90 seconds to protect a 2-possession lead.
Widener faced an 11-point deficit, 71-60, with 3:42 to play and got 3s from Laron Byrd and David Nicholson to cut the gap to six points, 74-68, with 1:19 on the clock. Alvernia ran the clock down coming out of the timeout and after
Chris Davis (Norristown, Pa./Norristown) grazed the rim on a 3 near the end of the shot clock, Deyo swooped in for the offensive board. He was fouled in the in the corner and hit both free throws to push the lead back to eight.
Widener's Rob McPherson hit a jumper to pull back within six and Deyo was fouled on the in-bounds. He hit two more and Widener couldn't keep pace when McPherson's 3 was off the mark with 36 seconds left. Davis hit one more free throw for the final margin.
"That's a big one for us," said Miller. "They're all big in this league. Especially at home."
The Crusaders are now 6-0 at home this season including 4-0 in conference games. They wrap up the first cycle through league play hosting Elizabethtown on Saturday then traveling to Arcadia on Wednesday.
Alvenria put 4-of-5 starters in double figures led by Deyo's 20.Â
Lamont Clark (Parkesburg, Pa./Octorara) filled the box score with a season-high 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals.Â
Brian Parker (Chichester, Pa./Chichester) went 10-for-12 from the free throw line and scored 14. Davis finished with 11. Chuck Cooper (Parkesburg, Pa./Octorara) had a solid night off the bench hitting a pair of 3s and contributing eight points. Widener got a game-high 25 from McPherson on 10-of-22 shooting.
The Crusaders look to protect home court Saturday when they hosts Elizabethtown at 3:00 p.m.
Alvernia 79, Widener 70
