Alfred, NY (March 4, 2023) - Alvernia University (21-8) overcame an eight point deficit at the half to take a 73-68 win over Neumann University (21-8) on Saturday afternoon to advance to the ECAC Championship game at Alfred University.

The Golden Wolves trailed 37-29 at the half before swinging the game in their favor and taking a nine point lead, 66-57, with 7:45 to play. Both teams traded points over the next five minutes until Alvernia held on to take a 73-68 win over the Knights. 

Alvernia jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a Keba Mitchell free throw and layup by Jakob Kelly. But, Alvernia went scoreless for four minutes as the Knights took an 8-5 lead. Alvernia's scoreless spell came to an end on a Jacob Stoudt 3-pointer off the bench. Alvernia then got within one, 10-9, on a Jalil Schenck three with 13:16 to play in the half.

The Golden Wolves again faced another scoreless drought, this time for three minutes, as the Knights drove their lead up to eight, 17-9, at the midpoint of the half.

With 5:31 to go in the half, another Schenck 3-pointer got Alvernia within four, 26-22. But, Alvernia did not get any closer the rest of the half as the Knights took an eight point lead into the break, 37-29.

The Knights and Golden Wolves traded buckets coming out of the half, but a Nigel Cooke three brought Alvernia within five, 39-34, and a 3-pointer by Bobby Mullan made it a two point game on Alvernia's next possession. 

After the Knights hit a jumper, Alvernia got within, 41-40, on another Mullan three and took the 42-41 lead on a jumper by Mullan on Alvernia's next possession. 

The Golden Wolves and Knights traded the lead four times until a 3-pointer by Schenck put Alvernia up three, 52-49, with 10:55 to play. A Stoudt three gave Alvernia some room to work, 55-49, as the half approached its midway point.

Alvernia built its lead up to nine, 66-57, on a Kelly three with 7:45 to play. But, Alvernia went scoreless for the next six minutes as the Knights retook the lead, 67-66, with 1:30 to play.

Alvernia grabbed the lead back, 68-67, on a Mullan three with 1:11 to play, and a Mullan three off a Kelly offensive board, gave Alvernia the 71-67 lead with 34 seconds to play. Cooke then made a pair of closing free throws to secure the 73-68 win for the Golden Wolves.

Kelly led Alvernia with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Schenck finished with 17 points off the bench and Mullan finished with 13.

The Golden Wolves will take on #2 Alfred University in the ECAC Championship game at 1:00 PM tomorrow at Alfred State.