Reading, Pa. (Jan, 30 2016) – Sophomore George Sapp scored a career-high 21 points—including a huge second-half 3—as Alvernia University (12-8, 8-3) defeated Messiah College (5-14, 2-8) by a 72-64 final Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth Men's Basketball at Jack McCloskey Court.
 
Sapp's 3 was all net with 3:22 to play and put the Crusaders up 62-58.  He followed with a layup on the next possession for a six-point lead , and the hosts held a comfortable margin the rest of the way.
 
"That was big," said Alvernia head coach Mike Miller of Sapp's 3.  "He was hitting elbow jumpers and he was penetrating or pulling up." 
 
Sapp went 8-for-10 from the floor—1-for-2 from the arc—and hit all four free throws he attempted.
 
The Crusaders were able to get Sapp penetrating down the lane on the same side of the floor as Mike Miller, Jr., and with the Falcons choosing not to help off Miller, Jr., Sapp came through in a big spot.
 
"Pick your poison," said Miller of the way his offense is running.  "Two weeks ago George might not have made the right decision, but now he is."
 
Alvernia got 20 points from Charles Cooper—including 11-for-12 from the free throw line—and 10 points from Marquis Marshall who also attracted his share of attention from the Messiah defense.
 
Freshman forward Reid Hoff had another strong stat line for the Crusaders.
 
"Seven points, seven assists…and five rebounds.  Terrific," said Miller of his hometown forward.  "That's what we need.  He's making all the right decisions."
 
The Crusaders fell behind 38-32 at the half with the Falcons shooting 56 percent from the floor and knocking down 5-of-13 from the arc.  Neil Murren led the way for the guests with nine points and five boards before the break.
 
The lead changed hands nine times over the first 11 minutes of the second half.  The final time Alvernia put together a 10-0 run to take a 59-50 lead with 5:51 to play.  Sapp started the run with back-to-back jumpers then the Crusaders went 6-for-6 from the line over a two minutes stretch.
 
Messiah responded with an 8-0 run getting four from Murren on the counter.  That run set the 59-58 score with 3:45 to go and set the stage for Sapp's decisive 3.
 
Murren finished with a team-high 15 points and Geoff Boyle added 10.
 
Alvernia remains a half game up on Lycoming, which needed overtime to handle Widener, and a game up on Arcadia which defeated Stevenson at home.
 
The Crusaders continue the conference schedule on Wednesday wrapping up a four-game home stand hosting Hood on Wednesday then hit the road for three of the final four games.
 
Alvernia 72, Messiah 64