Center Valley, Pa. (Dec. 30, 2016) - DeSales University (8-3) shot over 50 percent in both halves and built a 37-26 lead over Alvernia University (7-5) on its way to an 80-72 win Friday evening in the championship game of the Al Senevitis Memorial Tournament at DeSales.
Alvernia junior
Alex Shippen and senior
Marquis Marshall were both named to the All-Tournament Team.
The Bulldogs hit 14-of-27 shots from the field in the first half including a 4-for-9 effort from the 3-point arc while the Crusaders shot just 32 percent (11-for-32) including a 3-for-12 effort from the arc. Â The DeSales lead was up to 14 points, 37-23, with just under a minute left in the first half, but a driving 3-point play from Alvernia sophomore
George Williams set the 11-point halftime spread.
The Crusaders opted for the shiftier freshman
Steve Pendleton to start the second half over sophomore
Reid Hoff and the freshmen scored six points and assisted on a pair of 3-pointers as the Crusaders cut the gap down to four points scoring 15 of the first 23 points in the second half.
The deficit was down to two points, 50-48, with 12:31 to play when Pendleton was fouled on the break. Â He missed both shots from the free throw line with a chance to tie the score and DeSales responded with an 18-8 run to push back ahead by 12 points with five minutes left to play.
Alvernia answered that run with six straight points to cut the gap down to six points with four minutes to play, but DeSales answered with a 10-2 run to put the game away.
Shippen and Williams led the Crusaders with 16 points apiece,
Mike Miller, Jr. scored 14, Marshall finished with 13, and Pendleton added 11.  DeSales put five players in double figures led by 15 from Brian Laird.
DeSales shot 56 percent in the second half and 53 percent for the game. Â Alvernia was able to keep pace in the second half putting up 46 points on 17-of-30 shooting.
The Crusaders return home following the New Year's break and get back to the conference schedule hosting Arcadia on Wednesday.
DeSales 80, Alvernia 72
