Reading, Pa. (Jan. 21, 2023) - Alvernia University (12-6, 7-2) used a 26-point second quarter to propel itself to a 73-46 win over Stevenson University (6-12, 5-4) on Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth women's basketball action at Alvernia.

The Golden Wolves led by three after the first quarter, but outscored the Mustangs by 14 in the second frame to give some separation. The Golden Wolves then cruised in the second half, leading by at least 18 for the final 15 minutes.

Alvernia opened the contest with an early 3-pointer by Jordan Karmonick on Alvernia's opening possession. The Golden Wolves then made it a 5-0 game on a putback layup by Taliyah Malone. But, the Mustangs went on a quick 7-0 run to take a 7-5 lead over Alvernia. Stevenson's lead did not last long as a 3-pointer from Karmonick put Alvernia back in front, 8-7, with 3:54 to play in the first quarter. 

Alvernia would not give up the lead or allow a tie the rest of the way. 

Karmonick's hand stayed hot as she knocked down another three to extend Alvenria's lead to 11-7. Alvernia was held to just three points in the final three minutes of the quarter and led the Mustangs by three, 14-11, after the first frame.

The Mustangs opened the second quarter scoring with a free throw to get within two, 14-12, but Alvernia pushed it back to a five point lead, 17-12, on a layup and an and-one free throw by Tyra Robinson.

With 6:36 to play in the quarter, Stevenson converted a free throw to make it a seven point game, 24-17, but a pair of made free throws and a 3-pointer by Karmonick sparked a 9-0 run for Alvernia. The run was capped off by a fastbreak layup from Robinson as Alvernia jumped ahead to a 33-17 lead with just under four minutes to play in the half.

Back-to-back layups by the Mustangs put an end to the Alvernia run, but the Golden Wolves responded with a Jordyn Ingelido three to go back up by 15, 36-21, with three minutes to play in the half. Alvernia held the Mustangs to just two points on two made free throws the rest of the half while Alvernia added four to its lead to take a 40-23 lead into the half.

The Mustangs opened the second half with two quick layups, but Alvernia called a timeout and regrouped. The Golden Wolves came out of the timeout and went on a 10-0 run over the next five minutes to go up 50-27 on the Mustangs. Karmonick accounted for five of the ten points during the run.

With 2:51 to play in the quarter, a 3-pointer by Robinson off a steal by Tamia Wessel extended Alvernia's lead to 24, 53-29.

The Mustangs got within 18 with just under a minute to play in the third quarter, but Alvernia pushed it back to a 20 point lead, 55-35, on a layup by Wessels as time expired in the third frame.

The Golden wolves continued to maintain solid control in the final ten minutes. Alvernia forced another nearly four minute long scoreless drought for the Mustangs as the Golden Wolves pushed their lead to 28, 67-39, with four minutes to play. Alvernia cruised the rest of the way as the Golden Wolves came away with the 73-46 win.

Karmonick led Alvernia with 22 points and eight rebounds. She was 6-for-9 from three point range. Wessels finished with a 15 point, 11 rebound double-double.

With the win, Alvernia moved back into second place in MAC Commonwealth standings. They are two games back of Messiah University as the Falcons sit atop the standings at 9-0.

Alvernia is back in action on Wednesday at Widener.