Reading, Pa. (Feb. 17, 2024) - Alvernia University (16-9, 8-6) took an 82-75 win over Stevenson University (8-17, 2-12) as the Golden Wolves secured the final spot in the MAC Commonwealth postseason on Saturday afternoon at Alvernia's Jack McCloskey Court.

After 11 ties and ten lead changes, Alvernia outscored Stevenson 14-7 in overtime to secure the win over the Mustangs.

How it Happened

• Alvernia scored the opening points of the game on a Malik Slay 3-pointer, but the Mustangs quickly responded with 11 straight to take an 11-3 lead through three minutes. 
• Alvernia called a timeout and responded with a 15-2 run over the next three minutes as the Golden Wolves took the lead, 18-13, with 12 minutes to play in the half. Nigel Cooke scored ten points to lead Alvernia during the run.
• The Golden Wolves led by just one, 19-18, as the half hit its midpoint, but back-to-back 3-pointers from Jakob Kelly and Jacob Stoudt gave Alvernia the 25-20 lead with 8:23 to play.
• The Mustangs evened it at 25-25 with 6:49 to play, but a 3-pointer from Alex Cercado gave Alvernia back the lead on its next possession.
• The back and forth continued for the rest of the half as Alvernia took a 35-31 lead into the break.
• Alvernia opened the second half with a 3-pointer from Robert Mullan to take a 38-31 lead, but the Mustangs responded with a 3-pointer of their own.
• The Mustangs kept it rolling following the 3-pointer and took the lead for the first time in the second half, 41-40, with 16:31 to play.
• The back and forth continued for the remainder of regulation from there with neither team able to gain more than a possession lead for the final 16:31 of the half. The game went to overtime tied at 68-68 after Cooke was able to equalize it with a pair of made free throws late.
• The Golden Wolves jumped out fast to open overtime, with a quick layup from Kyle Gordan and a Cooke 3-pointer as Alvernia took a 73-68 lead through the first minute of extra time.
• The Mustangs cut it within one twice during the overtime period, but Alvernia held Stevenson scoreless and made six free throws in the final 1:44 of action for the 82-75 overtime win.

Inside the Box Score

• Cooke finished with a game-high 27 points, including 12 made free throws on 14 attempts. 
• Malik Slay, Robert Mullan, and Jakob Kelly each hit double-digits as well. Slay finished with 12, Kelly had 11, and Mullan added ten.
• Slay also finished with a team-high 17 rebounds for a double-double.

Of Note

• Slay's 17 rebounds marked an individual season-high and the most in a game since Malik Green had 21 against Lebanon Valley in January of last season.
• With the win, Alvernia secured the #4 seed in the MAC Commonwealth playoff. It is the third straight season Alvernia will make a postseason appearance. 

Up Next

• The Golden Wolves will head to #1 Widener on Wednesday for the MAC Commonwealth semifinal. #3 Eastern will play #2 Hood in the other MAC Commonwealth semifinal. The winners will play in the MAC Commonwealth Championship on Saturday.