Reading, Pa. (Jan. 13, 2024) - Widener University outscored Alvernia University 21-9 in the fourth quarter en route to an 82-71 win over the Golden Wolves on Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth women's basketball action at Alvernia.

After trailing by ten early in the third quarter, Alvernia held a 62-61 lead following a Kayla Williams buzzer beater to close out the third quarter and a Taliyah Malone 3-pointer to open the fourth. But, the Pride went on a 20-2 run through the majority of the fourth quarter on their way to the 82-71 win.

With the loss, Alvernia drops to 9-6 overall and 1-3 in MAC Commonwealth play. The Pride improve to 13-2 overall and 3-1 in MAC Commonwealth play.

How it Happened

• Alvernia jumped out to a 6-0 lead through the first two minutes of the game with three different Golden Wolves combining for Alvernia's first six points.
• A quick 10-0 run by the Pride quickly turned things around for Widener as the Pride took a 10-6 lead with 6:39 to play.
• Alvernia retook the lead, 13-10, following back-to-back jumpers from Jordyn Ingelido and Williams, as well as a 3-pointer from Williams.
• The back-and-forth continued for the rest of the quarter as Widener took a 24-21 lead into the second frame.
• The Golden Wolves and Pride traded jumpers to open the second quarter before a Williams 3-pointer tied the game at 26-26 with 8:45 to play in the quarter.
• The game stayed close through much of the quarter before Widener ended the half with a quick burst. Leading by just two with under two minutes to play in the half, Widener scored nine of the final 12 points of the half - including two off an unfortunate Alvernia turnover on a baseline inbounds under the Pride's basket with just seconds left on the clock - to take a 47-39 lead into the break. 
• Widener extended its lead to ten, 49-39, with the opening basket of the third quarter. But, a quick 11-2 run by Alvernia quickly brought Alvernia within one, 51-50, with 7:33 to play in the quarter. Nine of Alvernia's 11 points during the run came from Jordan Karmonick and Williams capped off the run with a layup off of a Malone steal.
• The Pride held around a four point lead for much of the remainder of the quarter until Alvernia had a quick surge to end the third frame. A Tamia Wessels layup brought Alvernia within two with 30 seconds to play, and a Williams 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded gave Alvernia the 62-61 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
• Alvernia extended its lead to four, 65-61, with a Malone 3-pointer on the opening possession of the second half. But, Alvernia was held to just one field goal over the next eight minutes while the Pride went on a 20-2 run to take an 81-67 lead with 1:18 to play.
• Malone made a pair of free throws and Williams hit a layup in the final minute, but the Pride came away with the 82-71 win.

Inside the Box Score

• Williams led all scorers with 28 points. She also had six rebounds and three blocks.
• Wessels finished with 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds, and Malone finished with 12 points and four boards.
• Widener was led by Jordan D'Ambrosio with 25 points.

Of Note

• Williams' 28 points marked a career-high for the senior. She shot 12-for-25 with four made 3-pointers. Today was her second straight game with at least 20 points and her fourth game of the season with 20 or more. 
• Williams' 12 made field goals was also season-high for made field goals and the most made in a game by an individual since Miranda Hoover made 15 in a win against Hood in January of 2017 to tie the single-game record.
• The Pride now hold a 9-1 advantage over Alvernia through the last ten matchups.

Up Next

• Alvernia heads to Eastern University on Wednesday night as the Golden Wolves continue on with their MAC Commonwealth schedule.
• Alvernia is 9-1 against Eastern  through the last ten matchups and Alvernia has the last three meetings.
• The Eagles are 2-2 in MAC Commonwealth play and will enter Wednesday coming off a 52-43 loss to Hood earlier today.