Reading, Pa. (Dec. 30, 2015) - Penn State-Harrisburg (5-5) put up 25 points in the final quarter to edge past Alvernia University (5-6) 77-68 in non-conference action Wednesday night at Jack McCloskey Court.

The Crusaders held a 56-52 margin in the opening minute of the fourth, but the Lions hit their stride over the next eight minutes to grab a 73-63 lead with just under a minute left to play. Alvernia came within six on a three-point play by Stevie Fortna with 30 second left, however Penn State's Becca Bailey made three from the line to secure the win.

The Crusaders overcame a 21-14 first quarter deficit to take a three point lead into the half. Jump started by a Tyra Roberts layup, Alvernia put away unanswered 3s from Fortna, Jenna Wolff, and Olivia Andrefski to lock things up at 24. The two teams exchanged a pair from behind the arc before Andrefski knocked down her third 3 of the period to put the Crusaders ahead 33-30.

 Fortna and Wolff went a combined 3-for-4 from the line to balance out a Lions' 3 in the final minute to take the 36-33 advantage into the half.

Fortna was at the top of the offensive chart for Alvernia, scoring 15 on a 3-7 performance from 3-point range. Wolff picked up 13 points, shooting 83% from the line, while Roberts tacked on her third double-double on the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Crusaders had five players in double digit scoring as Logan Focht and Andrefski collected 10 points a piece.

The Lions were led by Jasmine Yanich and Alexis Nolan, with 17 and 15 points respectively. Penn State held the advantage in both offensive and defensive rebounds, totaling 45 to the Crusaders 38.

Alvernia returns to McCloskey Court on Saturday, hosting Lebanon Valley College in Commonwealth Conference action. Tip off is set for 1:00 p.m.