Reading, Pa. (Jan. 13, 2024) - #22 Widener University jumped out to a 46-28 lead at the half and never looked back as the Pride handed Alvernia University its first MAC Commonwealth loss of the season, 86-65, on Saturday afternoon in men's basketball action at Alvernia.

The loss is Alvernia's first loss in nearly a month as the Golden Wolves had won five straight dating back to December 29th.

With the loss, Alvernia drops to 11-4 overall and 3-1 in MAC Commonwealth play. The Pride improve to 13-2 overall and 3-1 in MAC Commonwealth play.

How it Happened

• Alvernia scored the opening points of the game as Alex Cercado found Kyle Gordon underneath the basket on the opening possession. Alvernia then made it a 5-0 game on a Malik Slay 3-pointer. The Pride tied it up at 5-5 a minute later.
• Alvernia retook the lead, 12-7, following back-to-back jumpers and a free throw by Robert Mullan.
• The Pride then went on an 11-2 run over the next four minutes to take an 18-14 lead and Alvernia tied it at 18-18 on two Kegan Hertz free throws as the first half surpassed its midpoint.
• Alvernia took the lead once again, 20-18, with eight minutes to play in the half. But, the Pride answered with a 3-pointer that sparked a 28-8 Widener run to close out the half and give the Pride a 46-28 advantage heading into the second half.
• The Pride kept their foot on the gas to open the second half and never allowed Alvernia an opportunity to get back into it. The Golden Wolves never got closer than 11 while the Pride led by as much as 25 during the second half en route to the 86-65 win.

Inside the Box Score

• Slay led all scorers with 19 points. He also had a team-high four assists and four steals.
• Nigel Cooke also reached double-digits with 12 points. Mullan finished with a team-high five rebounds.
• Dominic Dunn and Matt Daulerio led Widener with 13 each.

Of Note

• Slay's 19 marks a new career-high for the transfer senior who spent his first two collegiate years at West Chester.
• Alvernia is now 5-5 against Widener through the last ten matchups. But, the Pride have won the last two meetings - including last year's MAC Commonwealth Championship.
• With today's loss being Alvernia's first loss in conference play, Hood now remains as the only undefeated team in the MAC Commonwealth following a 71-68 win over Eastern.

Up Next

• Alvernia hosts Eastern, who is coming off a narrow setback to Hood earlier today. Eastern is 10-5 overall and 2-2 in MAC Commonwealth play.
• Alvernia is 7-3 against Eastern through the last ten matchups.