Miami, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2016) - Alvernia University (5-4) shot 34 percent from the floor in a 72-65 loss to Buffalo State (7-3) Monday afternoon in non-conference men's basketball action the HoopsMIA D3 Holiday Shootout hosted by Eastern University.

The Crusaders were held under 40 percent for just the second time this season hitting just 22-of-64 from the floor including 4-of-16 from the 3-point arc.

Alvernia missed its first five shots from the floor and faced an 8-0 deficit just three minutes into the game.  Senior Marquis Marshall jumpstarted the offense with a layup and the Crusaders put together a 19-5 streak to take a 19-13 lead with 10 minutes left in the first half. 

Alvernia led until the final minute of the half when Buffalo State scored nine of the final 11 points of the half to take a 38-36 lead at the break.

Junior Mike Miller, Jr. hit a 3-pointer five minutes into the second half that gave the Crusaders a 46-45 lead, but Buffalo State scored on a putback on the next possession and held the lead the rest of the way.

George Williams hit 8-of-9 free throws and led the Crusaders with a career-high tying 25 points.  Marshall finished with 21 and Miller added 13.  Steve Pendleton pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds.

Alvernia finishes the Holiday Shootout facing Goucher College on Tuesday.

Buffalo State 72, Alvernia 65