Reading, Pa. (Feb. 18, 2017) -  Sophomore Miranda Hoover's 29-point effort came up just short as Alvernia University (2-23, 2-14) fell 67-59 to Widener University (9-16, 6-10) Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth Women's Basketball action on Jack McCloskey Court.

The Pride opened with a 10-3 advantage six minutes in and were able to keep its lead out of the reach of the Crusaders the rest of the way.

Alvernia pulled within three to close the first quarter as Hoover put in her second layup of the day, but Widener found a rhythm in the second, taking a 21-10 advantage.

Back-to-back jumpers by Hoover halted the Pride momentum, allowing a Megan Bruno jumper just before the half to bring the Crusaders with six, 25-19.

Widener would take another 11-point margin to start the third, but Abbie Zerbe followed a Kiersten Ingram bucket and a free throw by Kerry O'Boyle with her first 3 of the matchup to cut the deficit, 35-31.

Zerbe then partnered with her sister Torie to combat a pair of Pride makes, giving Widener a small 41-36 advantage entering the final frame.

Trailing 64-49 after another Pride run, the Crusader put together a run of their own in the last two minutes as Hoover continued her strong game, notching 8 of Alvernia's final 10 points.

Hoover earned her fifth double-double of the season, pulling down 14 boards. Ingram added 12 points for the Crusaders.

Allison Gallagher paced the Pride, putting away 23.

Today's contest marks the conclusion of Alvernia's 2016-2017 season.