Reading, Pa. (Dec. 31, 2015) - Gettysburg College (8-2) shot 54 percent from the floor in a 69-53 win over Alvernia University (5-5) Thursday afternoon in non-conference men's basketball action at Jack McCloskey Court.

Alex Kaslander hit a pair of 3s in a 13-2 run late in the first half that helped the Bullets extend to a 28-21 lead at halftime.  The Crusaders cut the second-half deficit down to two points on two separate occasions, but Gettysburg put together an 11-2 spurt to build a 14-point lead, 52-38 with 9:12 to play and never looked back.

Alvernia shot 32 percent from the floor hitting 19-of-60 shots including 7-for-29 from the arc.  Senior Charles Cooper scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Crusaders.  The Bullets put four players in double figures led by Kevin Gladstone and Cam Stewart who scored 14 apiece.

Neither team held more than a one-possession lead through the first 16 minutes of play until the second 3 from Kaslander put the guests up 23-17 with 3:59 to go in the half.

Alvernia's second half run was fueled by Cooper who knocked down a jumper and hit back-to-back 3s in the first 90 seconds of the half to pull the Crusaders within two, 31-19.  Gettysburg pushed the gap back to eight points then Cooper hit another 3 before the decisive 11-2 run.

Alvernia will travel to DeSales University for the Al Senavitis Tournament which tips off for the Crusaders Saturday at 4:00 p.m. vs Stockton.  The consolation and championship games are schedule for 2:00 and 4:00 Sunday afternoon.

Gettysburg 69, Alvernia 53