Reading, Pa. (Jan. 22, 2016) - Alvernia University (7-11, 2-7) came up just short, falling 70-69 to Widener University (12-6, 5-4) in the final seconds of the MAC Commonwealth Women's Basketball contest held Friday evening at Jack McCloskey Court.

Down 54-53, Widener opened the final quarter with a Gallagher 3 to take the lead. After a Tyra Roberts jumper tied things at 56, the Pride posted a six point run to pull ahead 62-56. 

The Crusaders chipped at the lead, bookending a Roberts layup with a pair from the line and a 3 from Stevie Fortna to close the gap 64-63. With three minutes left in the contest, Roberts stayed clutch, converting a three point play to put Alvernia up 66-64.

Miranda Hoover cancelled out a Pride free throw to maintain the Crusaders two point margin with a little over a minute to spare.

However, the Pride would not go quietly, draining a 3 with 59-seconds left to establish a 68-67 lead. 

Roberts continued to work the paint, making her ninth field goal of the night with 14 seconds remaining to give Alvernia the 69-68 margin. Widener answered with a drive of their own, sinking the game winner at the :04 mark. 

The Crusaders led for most of the game, holding a 34-31 margin at the end of the first half. Chelsea Ebersole guided Alvernia through the first 20 minutes, notching 12 points on a 3-5 performance from 3-point range. 

Alvernia strengthed its lead through the third quarter, extending to a 10-point advantage with three minutes left in the quarter. Up 50-40, Fortna responded a pair from the line by the Pride with a pair of her own to keep the 10-point distance. Widener then collected a six point run to cut the margin 52-48. Roberts broke the momentum temporarily, but a Pride 3 put Widener within three entering the final period.

Roberts was Alvernia's point leader for the seventh time this season, putting away 20 points with 9 rebounds. Fortna and Ebersole also reached double digits, netting 17 and 15 respectively.

Widener posted four players in double digits, with Allison Gallagher and Nikki Sutliff each collecting 15 points.

The Crusaders return to competition on Wednesday, hosting Lycoming College at 6:00 pm on Wednesday.