Reading, Pa. (Dec. 7, 2019) - Widener University (9-0, 2-0) put together a 16-0 second half run and held off a furious comeback attempt in a 79-73 win over Alvernia University (3-4, 0-2) Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth men's basketball action at Jack McCloskey Court.

Alvernia led 50-47 with 11:44 left in the half but missed it's next six shots from the floor and a free throw while Widener knocked down a pair of 3s and went 6-of-8 from the free throw line with four steals.

The Pride pulled ahead 63-50 with 6:51 to play and pushed that to 70-53 with just over five minutes to play.

Alvernia went to the bench for some energy and it resulted in a 19-6 run that cut the deficit to four points, 76-72 with 52 seconds to play.  Widener only took one shot from the floor during the 3:35 run, had six turnovers, and scored all six of its points from the free throw line.

Widener turned the ball over coming out of a timeout, but Alvernia missed a layup and it was just enough reprieve for Widener to hang on.

Avery Walked led Alvernia with 13 points and four assists.  Darnell Ransom finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. Malik Green added 11 points.  Widener put five players in double figures led by 14 from Connor Laverty.

Alvernia is off for the finals break and returns to action next Saturday at Messiah.

Widener 79, Alvernia 73