Chester, Pa. (Feb. 17, 2018) - Widener University (15-10, 8-8) finished the game with a 22-3 run over the final seven minutes in a 74-59 win over Alvernia University (12-13, 7-8) Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth men's basketball action at Widener.

Both teams came into Saturday needing a win and some help to get into the postseason.  Alvernia was the one to get the help it needed with Arcadia losing at home to Hood, but the Golden Wolves couldn't take advantage of the opportunity.

Albright College won at home in overtime over Lycoming College to take the top seed in the MAC Commonwealth Championships.  Lycoming drops to third place and will travel to #2 Lebanon Valley College.  Albright will host the other semifinal on Wednesday with the winner of Monday's play-in game between Arcadia and Messiah.

Alvernia senior Alex Shippen scored on a layup with just over 16 minutes let in the game to put the Golden Wolves up 43-29 just about the same time Hood was closing out the win over Arcadia.

Widener got a 3 from Sam Smith on the next possession and that sparked a run of nine straight points that cut Alvernia's lead down to five points.  The Pride finally regained the lead, 50-49, on a jumper from Connor Laverty, but Alvernia's 7-2 run--with all seven coming from seniors--put the guests up 56-52 with 7:15 to play.

The Golden Wolves went 1-for-11 from the floor and 0-for-7 from the free throw line over the final seven minutes.  The only bucket came with 90 seconds left with Mike Miller, Jr. intentionally missed a free throw and the Wolves kicked the rebound out to Nick Youngkin who's 3 from the corner cut the Widener lead to 68-59.

Youngkin and Keon Taylor finished with a team-high 16 points for Alvernia.  Miller added 10.  Widener put four players in double figures led by Sardayah Sambo who had a game-high 19.

Widener 74, Alvernia 59