New York, NY (Jan. 2, 2020) - Alvernia University's (5-6) comeback attempt fell one point short as Hunter College (5-5) hung on for a 55-54 win over Alvernia on Thursday afternoon at Hunter.

After trailing 17-7 after the opening quarter, Alvernia slowly began to chip away at Hunter's lead.

The Golden Wolves outscored the Hawks 11-8 in the second quarter to make it 25-18 at the half.

Alvernia went on a 12-6 run over the final three minutes of the second quarter and the opening five minutes of the third quarter to tie it up for the first time at 27-27 on two converted free throws from Gabriella De Vito.

The Hawks went on a quick 12-7 run to take build their lead back up to 39-33, but Alvernia ended the quarter with a free throw from De Vito and a layup from Jannelle Robinson to bring it back within three at 39-33 going into the fourth quarter. 

The Golden Wolves tied it up for the second time with a layup from Dee McCormick with 8:52 remaining in the game to make it 40-40, but the Hawks hit a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession to retake the lead at 43-40.

The Hawks would lead by as much as six, 52-46, with 3:22 remaining, but Alvernia went on a 6-0 run that was capped off by a De Vito 3-pointer to tie it up a 52-52 with 1:23 remaining.

The Hawks missed a jumper on their next possession to keep it at 52-52.

Alvernia took its first lead of the game with 47 second remaining when De Vito found Torie Zerbe wide open off the left post, and Zerbe sank her shot to give Alvernia the 54-52 lead.  

Hunter's Phoebe Valenton drew a foul with 15 seconds remaining and knocked down both attempts to tie it back up at 54-54

Alvernia used a timeout to advance the ball up the court, and Abbie Zerbe attempted a 3-point shot that went off the rim. Hunter's
Theresa Leung took it down the court and was attempting a layup when she was fouled by De Vito. 

Leung missed the first, but made the second to give Hunter the 55-54 lead with about 15 seconds remaining.

The Alvernia offense hustled down the court, and Abbie Zerbe attempted a deep three with four seconds remaining that was off the mark. Hunter collected the rebound, called a timeout to advance the ball, and let the final second countdown on the inbounded ball to hang onto the 55-54 lead. 

De Vito led Alvernia's offense with 13 points, including a 5-for-6 effort from the line. Torie Zerbe finished with 14 rebounds, and Julia Ewen also reached double digits with 11 rebounds. 

Alvernia returns home on Saturday with a 1:00 PM MAC Commonwealth game against Hood College.