Old Westbury, N.Y. (Nov. 25, 2014) - Junior guard Charles Cooper reached a new career-high by halftime and led Alvernia University (3-2) to a 76-59 win over SUNY Old Westbury (0-4) Tuesday evening in non-conference men's basketball action at Old Westbury.

Cooper scored 25 of his career-high 32 in the first half hitting 6-of-8 3s in the opening 20 minutes and surpassing his previous best of 21 points before the break.  The Crusaders enjoyed a 40-30 lead at the break and saw that gap cut to five points three different times in the second half.

The third time the Crusaders ran off a string of 13 straight to push the lead to 18 points, 64-46 with 4:15 to go.  Mike Miller scored five points during the run and Lamont Clark capped it with a pair of free throws.

The lead was 13 points or more the rest of the way.

Cooper hit a 3 on the Crusaders first possession of the game and five minutes later provided 12 straight points during a 15-2 run--including three 3s--as the Crusaders pushed the lead to double digits 20-7.  His fifth 3 of the game game the Crusaders a 25-10 lead and a few possessions later, Miller got into the act knocking down a 3 for a 30-13 lead.

Cooper's sixth 3 of the first half put the Crusaders up 36-21, and after Old Westbury cut the deficit back down to single digits, Cooper scored on a layup for the final bucket of the half and a 10-point halftime lead.

Miller and Harrison Deyo finished with 13 points apiece and Deyo added a team-best 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the season.

Alvernia got it done from the free throw line hitting 30-of-39 chances and took care of the ball with just nine turnovers.

The Crusaders return to action this Saturday with a non-conference game at Delaware Valley.

Alvernia 76, Old Westbury 59