Chester, Pa. (Jan. 9, 2016) - Widener University (10-4, 3-2) used three 20-plus point quarters to guide it to an 80-56 victory over Alvernia University (6-8, 1-4) Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth women's basketball action at Widener.

The Crusaders were led by Tyra Roberts for the third game in the row as she scored 18 points with six rebounds.The Pride received a season-high 30 points from Allison Gallagher.  

Alvernia played Widener tight through the first quarter, opening the contest with an 11-4 lead.  The Pride chipped at the lead, pulling to its first lead of the day at 20-18 with just under two minutes left in the quarter. Chelsea Ebersole put away a pair from the line to tie the game at 20, but Widener tacked on a 3 to take a 23-20 margin in the second period.

The Pride kept its momentum, outscoring Alvernia 21-9 in the second quarter with Roberts, Stevie Fortna, and Miranda Hoover contributing to the Crusaders offense.

Down 44-29 to start the second half, Roberts made a trio of layups to bring Alvernia within 11 at 46-35.

Widener's lead remained double digits the rest of the way.

The Crusaders return home on Wednesday to continue their conference schedule, hosting Arcadia in a women's and men's basketball double header. Tip off for the women's contest is set for 6:00 p.m.