Reading, Pa. (Dec. 16, 2023) - Alvernia University used a 43-7 run that spanned the second and third quarters to take an 85-51 win over Goucher College on Saturday afternoon in non-conference women's basketball action at Alvernia.

After an early Alvernia lead was cut to just one point, 24-23, in the second quarter, Alvernia bounced back with a 17-2 run to close out the first half. That run continued into the third quarter and turned into a 43-7 run that Alvernia used to cruise to the 85-51 win.

Alvernia improved to 6-2 with the win, while Goucher dropped to 0-10.

How it Happened: 

• The Golden Wolves and Gophers traded the opening baskets, but a 3-pointer from Taliyah Malone followed by a Kayla Williams layup on back-to-back possessions gave Alvernia some early separation, 7-2, through the first two minutes of action.
• Alvernia built its lead up to eight, 12-4, as the opening quarter approached its midpoint following back-to-back layups from Jennah DeGout and a free throw from Tamia Wessels.
• After the Gophers got within five, 12-7, on a 3-pointer, Jordan Karmonick answered with a 3-pointer of her own that sparked a 9-2 run for the Golden Wolves over the next three minutes. Four different Golden Wolves scored for Alvernia during the run as the Golden Wolves took a 12 point lead, 21-9, with two minutes to play in the first frame.
• Goucher scored four of the final five points of the quarter, but Alvernia led 22-13 going into the second frame.
• A layup from Williams marked Alvernia's first points of the second quarter, but the Gophers came into the quarter with new life. Goucher went on a 10-0 run over three minutes to close the game within one, 24-23, with 6:40 to play in the half.
• After both teams went scoreless for nearly a minute and a half, a 3-pointer from Karmonick once again breathed life into the Golden Wolves. It sparked a 17-2 run that Alvernia rode through the final five and a half minutes of the second quarter. Williams led Alvernia with five points during the run, including a layup as time expired in the second quarter. Alvernia went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc during the run.
• Alvernia shot 41% in the first half and was 28% from beyond the arc. The Gophers out-rebounded Alvernia by one in the first half, but Alvernia forced eight turnovers by Goucher through the first 20 minutes.
• Alvernia kept its 17-2 run that it used to close out the first half and carried it into a 43-7 run through the 2:05 mark of the third quarter as Alvernia took a 67-30 lead. Malone led Alvernia with 13 through the entirety of the run. Alvernia shot 62% during the run and held Goucher to 12% shooting.
• The Gophers got a bit back on track with a quick 8-0 run, but Alvernia took the 69-41 lead into the final frame.
• A 3-pointer from Malone opened the fourth quarter for Alvernia as the Golden Wolves lead hit 31, 72-41. 
• The Gophers never threatened the rest of the way, getting no closer than 28 in the final eight minutes of action as Alvernia came away with the 85-51 win.

Inside the Box Score

• Taliyah Malone led Alvernia with 19 points, shooting 7-for-12 overall and 5-for-10 from 3-point range. She was also Alvernia's leading rebounder with eight boards.
• Tamia Wessels finished with a team-high six assists and also added eight points. Jordan Karmonick finished with five boards, five assists, and nine points, and Jennah DeGout also had five rebounds with eight points.
• 10 different players scored at least two points for the Golden Wolves.
• Alvernia shot 45% from the floor and had a quarter-high 52% shooting in the third quarter.
• Alvernia forced 18 turnovers by the Gophers and scored 24 points off of turnovers. Alvernia's bench contributed 32 of its 85 points.

Of Note:

• Alvernia improves to 3-1 all-time against Goucher
• With today's win, four of Alvernia's six wins have come by 30 or more points.
• Alvernia's 6-2 start to the season is the best start through eight games in 20 years for the Golden Wolves. Alvernia went 7-1 through eight games in the 2003-2004 season. Alvernia finished that season with a 21-8 record and a PAC Championship.

Up Next:

• The Golden Wolves head south to Daytona Beach on Monday for the Daytona Beach Shootout. Alvernia will take on Thomas College on Wednesday and Wisconsin Lutheran on Thursday.