BOX SCORE Reading, Pa. (Jan. 28, 2015) - Mike Miller drained a career high 25 points to lead Alvernia University (11-7, 6-4) to a 66-56 victory over Arcadia University (10-9, 6-4) Wednesday evening in Commonwealth Conference action at Jack McCloskey Court.
The Crusaders pulled ahead to an early lead, opening the game with a 6-2 lead off the shooting of
Kirby Turner and
Harrison Deyo. The Knights brought the game within one at 14:22, until Miller landed his first of many three-pointers on the evening for the 13-9 advantage. Arcadia's Sean Mayberry made back to back jumpers to tie things at 13, but the Crusaders used another three ball, this time by
Charles Cooper, to keep the lead.
With six minutes left in the half, Arcadia picked up its only lead of the game, holding a one point advantage. Their lead, however, was short lived, as Miller struck again to pull Alvernia ahead 19-17. The Crusaders extended the lead to 23-17 on buckets by
Lamont Clark and Deyo. Arcadia put up a fight before the half, using a six point run to tie the game 23-23, yet Miller secured the lead going into the half, putting in five points in the final two minutes for Alvernia.
The Crusaders would come out to start the second half stronger than the first, increasing their lead to 11 by the midpoint of the half. Miller kept the hot hand, draining three 3s and a jumper to help Alvernia to the 41-30 advantage with 12:00 left to play. Both sides would exchange baskets over the next several minutes until the Knight attempted a comeback, closing the gap to 47-41.
Cooper and
Alex Shippen reestablished the distance for Alvernia, nailing back to back buckets from behind the arc from the 53-41 lead with 5:31 remaining. Clutch free throw shooting from the Crusaders kept the Knight at bay, giving Alvernia a minimum eight point margin throughout the final minutes.
Alvernia had three players in double digits, led by Miller's career high performance. Deyo locked in 12 points for the Crusaders, while Cooper tacked on 10. Deyo also led the team in rebounds with nine. The Crusaders shot above 50% in all categories in the second half.
The Knight had double digit scoring nights from four players, led by Joe Brown with 15 points and seven boards.
With the win, the Crusaders move into a tie for third with Arcadia in Commonwealth Conference rankings. Alvernia is just a half a game behind Stevenson, and two behind Lycoming.
The Crusaders have a bye week this weekend. They return to their run through the Commonwealth Conference next Wednesday, hosting Messiah. Tip-off is set for 8:00 pm.
