Reading, Pa. (Nov. 28, 2022) - Alvernia University (4-3) rolled past Rutgers-Camden (1-5) as the Golden Wolves defeated the Scarlet Raptors 65-33 in non-conference women's basketball action on Monday night at Alvernia.

The Scarlet Raptors led Alvernia early, but the Golden Wolves quickly swung the game into their favor and never looked back. Alvernia led by 35-20 at the half before holding the Scarlet Raptors to 13 second half points - including just two in the fourth quarter - as the Golden Wolves cruised to the 65-33 victory. Rutgers' 33 points is the lowest amount of points Alvernia has held an opponent to since a 74-26 win over Penn State Schuylkill on November 17, 2018.

Rutgers opened the scoring with a fastbreak layup by Jalissa Pitts off a defensive rebound, but Alvernia answered with a putback by Cathryn Kramer to even it up at 2-2 early.

The Scarlet Raptors and Golden Wolves traded points over the next three minutes until a 3-pointer by Rutgers' Deja Briggs gave Rutgers the 8-6 lead. The Scarlet Raptors then extended their lead to five points, 11-6, off of made free throws. Those would be the final points the Scarlet Raptors scored for the rest of the quarter.

Back-to-back made jumpers by Meghan Ruth off the bench brought Alvernia within one, 11-10, and a made shot by Nicole Etchison with 1:48 gave Alvernia the lead, 12-11.

Alvernia scored four more points in the remaining minute of the opening quarter with Etchison and Kramer each making a field goal as Alvernia took the 16-11 lead into the second frame.

The Golden Wolves continued to hold Rutgers-Camden scoreless through the opening three minutes of the quarter while Alvernia tacked onto its lead. Jumpers by Etchison and Rule gave Alvernia the nine point lead, 20-11.

After the Raptors ended their six-minute scoreless drought with a jumper, Alvernia responded with back-to-back layups by Meghan Ruth and Kayla Williams to give the Golden Wolves their first double-digit lead of the game, 24-13, with 6:22 remaining in the half.

Rutgers got back within eight twice, but Alvernia held the Scarlet Raptors scoreless in the final 2:13 of the half as Alvernia built on its lead. Ruth and Etchison each recorded a jumper in the final two minutes, and Tyra Robinson closed out the half with a 3-pointer to give Alvernia the 35-20 lead going into the break. 

Alvernia came into the second half with the same momentum it finished the first half with. A putback jumper by Williams and fastbreak layup off a steal by Taliyah Malone extended Alvernia's lead to 19, 39-20, with over 90 seconds into the second half. 

The Golden Wolves continued to pressure the Scarlet Raptors, and a layup by Williams off of an offensive rebound with 4:05 to play in the third gave Alvernia a 47-24 lead - its largest lead thus far.

The Raptors slightly cut Alvernia's lead down to 20 points, 51-31, as the game entered the final ten minutes.

The Golden Wolves completely shutdown the Scarlet Raptors in the fourth quarter, outshooting Rutgers 14-2 in the final ten minutes. Rutgers only points came off of made free throw attempts that bookended the quarter for Rutgers. Alvvernia's final points of the game came off of a made free throw by Taylor Meagher with 1:08 to go as the Golden Wolves came away with the 65-33 win.

Ruth led Alvernia with 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench. She also added four assists and three steals to her line. Williams finished with 11 points and eight rebounds. Karmonick had a team-high and career-high 13 rebounds. 

The win marks Alvernia's third straight win, and second win by 25 points or more.

Alvernia has a quick turnaround and will host Widener on Wednesday to open MAC Commonwealth play.