Reading, Pa. (Jan. 16, 2019) - Junior Nick Youngkin hit a tie-breaking 3 late in the game and freshman Malik Green came up with a huge blocked shot and a steal on the final two possessions and Alvernia University (7-9, 3-5) hung on for a 54-52 win over crosstown rival Albright College (4-12, 3-5) Wednesday evening in MAC Commonwealth men's basketball action at the Bollman Center.

Youngkin's 3 came with 2:28 left in the game after Albright had scored five straight to tie the game at 47-all, and Green's defensive efforts both came in the final 10 seconds first blocking a shot on a well-designed inbounds play for Albright sophomore Sam Majekodunmi then stealing the ball from Mark Brinkley Jr. in the final seconds.  

Youngkin's 3 was the second for the junior shooter on the night--and the second for the Wolves in 11 attempts--and gave him a game-high 22 points.

Alvernia sophomore Keon Taylor scored on a driving layup for a 52-47 lead, but Albright battled back to tie the score at 52-all with 47 seconds to go.

Alvernia was just 2-for-7 from the free throw line in the last minute, but the defense finished the win.

Majekodunmi drove hard to the basket with under 10 seconds to go, but was challenged at the rim by a pack of Wolves lead by senior center Anthony Dadson.  The Lions called timeout to setup the baseline inbounds play.

Majekodunmi lost Green on a hard cut toward a double screen and was wide open underneath the basket, but Green recovered in time to stuff the layup attempt at the rim and grab the rebound.  He missed both ends of the double bonus at the other end, but stripped the ball from Brinkley Jr. driving the lane with under five seconds left to seal the win.

Youngkin was the only player in double figures for Alvernia.  Majekodunmi scored 20 points for the hosts, Rappoport added 12 on 5-for-5 shooting, and Isaiah Harris scored 10.

Alvernia was 21-for-56 from the floor including the 2-for-11 effort from the arc and just 10-for-23 from the free throw line.  Albright was 19-for-60 from the floor, including 3-for-23 from the arc.

Alvernia will ride a modest three-game winning streak into a pair of games this weekend, first hosting Valley Forge College in a non-conference tilt Friday night before facing Hood College at home on Saturday.

Having won three straight games, Alvernia is now in a four-way tie for fifth place in the MAC Commonwealth with Albright, Messiah, and Lebanon Valley.

Alvernia 54, Albright 52