Reading, Pa. (March 11, 2021) - After a back and forth game, Albright College (6-2, 5-1) pulled away late in the second half to take the 90-83 win over Alvernia University (4-2, 3-2) on Thursday night in MAC Commonwealth men's basketball action at Alvernia.

The Lions jumped out to an early 6-0 lead after just 90 seconds of action, but a 3-pointer by Keon Taylor put the Golden Wolves on the board.

Albright extended its lead to as much as seven, 21-14, with 12:10 left in the first half before Alvernia started to work its way back.

A layup from Malik Green sparked an 8-0 run by the Golden Wolves to put Alvernia up 22-21 with 8:15 left to play in the half.

Albright responded with a 3-pointer from Corey Simmons to retake the lead, and the Lions would hold it the rest of the half. 

Albright built its lead to as much as 10, 38-28, on a 3-pointer from Sam Majekodunmi with 1:54 left in the half, but a layup from Malik Green and two made free throws by Jakob Kelly brought Alvernia within six , 38-32, going into the break. 

Alvernia opened the second half with a 3-pointer from Kelly to bring the game within three, but the Lions would go on a quick 12-0 run to jump out to a 50-35 with 16:36 left to play. 

Alvernia's Darnell Ransom came in off the bench and knocked down a quick three to stop the bleeding and spark an 11-0 run that was capped off with a steal and dunk by Green to bring Alvernia within four, 50-46, with 14:32 to play. 

A layup from Green two minutes later tied the game at 54-54.

After trading baskets, Alvernia took the lead on a 3-pointer from Ransom to make it 60-58 with 11:19 to play. 

Alvernia would go three straight possessions without making a shot as Albright rebuilt its lead back to five, 67-62, with 9:39 remaining.

The Golden Wolves would tie it back up at 73-73 on a layup from Kelly with 6:23 remaining, but Albright responded with a 3-pointer from Majekodunmi to retake the lead for good.

The Lions would make a series of free throws the resort of the way to hang on for the 90-83 win. 

First-year Jakob Kelly led Alvernia with 24 points and five rebounds. Keon Taylor finished with 20 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, and Malik Green finished with 17 points and a team-high nine rebounds. 

With the loss, Alvernia is eliminated from contention in the MAC Commonwealth Championship game. Alvernia is now playing for the third or fourth seed in the MAC Commonwealth, where they will match up with their equivalent seed in the MAC Freedom for a crossover game next week. The Golden Wolves close out the regular season on Friday at Albright. Tip-off is set for 7 PM.