Center Valley, Pa. (Dec. 29, 2022) - Montclair State University (10-0) edged Alvernia University (8-3) by a 61-54 decision on Thursday night in the second game of the DeSales University Al Senavitis Tip-off Tournament.

With the win, the Red Hawks improved to a perfect 10-0 on the season, while Alvernia picked up just its third loss of the year.

Alvernia's offense struggled to find any sort of rhythm in the first half. The Golden Wolves were held to just two points over the course of the opening 11 minutes. But, Montclair also struggled, keeping the game within reach for Alvernia. Alvernia's scoring drought came to an end with a driving layup by Robert Mullan to make it an 11-4 game with 9:01 to play in the opening half.

After the Red Hawks answered Mullan's field goal with one of their own, a jumper by Jakob Kelly off the feed of Mullan kept it a seven point game, 13-6.

The Red Hawks pushed their lead to nine, 18-9, with just under six minutes to play in the half. Alvernia worked its way back and a jumper by Malik Green with 3:25 left in the half made it a five point contest, 20-15.

Alvernia was held to just four points over the final 3:25 of the half as the Red Hawks took a 28-19 lead into the break.

After Montclair State scored the opening basket of the second half to make it an 11 point game, 30-19, the Golden Wolves went on a 12-1 run to even the game up at 31-31. The run was sparked by a Green jumper. Green contributed eight points during the run, including the game-tying jumper. Keba Mitchell added the other four.

The game was tied for just about 30 seconds as the Red Hawks retook the lead, 33-31, on a Kyree Henry jumper with 16:01 to play. 

Jalil Schenck knocked down two threes over the next ten minutes to get Alvernia within four, but foul trouble and turnovers plagued the Golden Wolves.

Alvernia pressured late, with back-to-back field goals by Mitchell - including a dunk off the feed of Green - tying the game up at 54-54 with 2:11 to play. But, fouls continued to be a problem for Alvernia as the Red Hawks converted four free throws to make it a two possession game, 58-54, with a minute to play.

A turnover on Alvernia's next possession resulted in a three pointer by the Hawks to put the game out of reach, 61-54, with 30 seconds to play. It was Alvernia's 12th turnover of the half and 23rd of the game. Schenck had a look at a three in the final seconds, but it did not fall as Montclair preserved its undefeated season with the 61-54 win over Alvernia.

Green led all scorers with 18 points. He and Kelly each finished with six boards. Schenck went 3-for-7 off the bench for 11 points. Mitchell finished with 10 points and three blocks.

DeSales defeated Ursinus 83-69 in the opening game of the tournament. Alvernia will take on Ursinus at 5:00 PM on Friday in the consolation game. Montclair State will take on DeSales at 7:00 PM for the championship game.