Miami, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2019) - After trailing by nine with six minutes remaining, and taking a three point lead late, Alvernia University's (5-6) comeback attempt fell one point short as Case Western Reserve University (6-3) defeated the Golden Wolves 65-64 on Wednesday afternoon in the HoopsMIA Holiday Shootout in Miami, Florida. 

Leading 64-63 with seven seconds remaining, Case Western Reserve's Ignas Masiulionis made what would be the game winning layup to put the Spartans up 65-64.

The Spartans came out fast to start the game, taking an early 9-3 lead three minutes into the game.

Avery Walker hit two free throws and a 3-pointer to spark a 13-2 run by the Golden Wolves that was capped off by a Justin Thomas jumper with 13:36 remaining in the first half to put Alvernia up 16-11.

The Spartans tied it up two possessions later at 16-16.

Case Western Reserve retook the lead with 9:12 remaining in the half on a layup from Ryan Newton to make it 21-20.

A jumper by Keon Taylor put Alvernia back ahead, 24-23, but the Spartans would retake the lead on a Michael Hollis layup, and would hold the lead the rest of the half.

Leading 36-30 at the half, the Spartans would maintain a solid lead for the first 14 minutes of the second half. Their lead would grow to as much as nine, 59-50, with 6:06 remaining before Alvernia went on a run.

The Golden Wolves went on a 10-0 three minute run that was capped off by a go-ahead 3-pointer from Walker to put Alvernia up 60-59 with 3:05 remaining.

The Spartans called a timeout and regrouped, making two defensive stops and retaking the lead on a Hollis layup with 1:41 remaining.

The Golden Wolves responded with a layup from Mickeel Allen to go back up 62-61 with 1:14 to go.

Malik Green came up with a steal on the Spartan's ensuing possession. Alvernia called a timeout, and Green made a layup coming out of the break to put Alvernia up 64-61 with 24 seconds remaining.

The Spartans fouled multiply times, finally sending Allen to the line with a one-and-one opportunity. Allen missed his first attempt, and the Spartans took the ball down the court with Masiulionis hitting the go-ahead layup with just a few seconds remaining. 

Alvernia was able to get the ball down the court, and Green took a shot from just beyond the NBA line as time expired. But, the attempt was off the mark as the Spartans hung on for the 65-64 win.

Taylor led Alvernia's scoring efforts with a season-high 17 points. Taylor was 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, and was also a perfect 2-for-2 at the line. 

Walker also reached double digits with a career-high 15 points. Thomas reached double-digits for the ninth time this season with 13 points. He also added eight rebounds and three blocks. 

Alvernia finished its trip to Miami with an 0-2 record. The Golden Wolves have off for Christmas Break, and will return to action on January 4th with a home MAC Commonwealth game against Hood College.