Bronx, NY (March 2, 2024) - Alvernia University (17-10) held off a second half push by Manhattanville College (18-10) to edge the Valiants 72-70 on Saturday afternoon as Alvernia advanced to the ECAC Semifinals. 

Alvernia led 38-32 at the half, and that lead would be just enough to hold off a 38-point second half from the Valiants as Alvernia secured the two point victory, 72-70.

With the win, Alvernia will advance to the semifinal and take on the host SUNY Maritime Privateers. 

How it Happened

• The back-and-forth started right from the jump. Alvernia held a slight five point lead, 13-8, through five minutes, but the Valiants tied it up and took the lead, 18-13, with 12 minutes to play. 
• Manhattanville pushed its lead to seven six minutes, including a 31-24 lead with 6:10 to play in the half.
• Alvernia responded and used a 10-0 run to retake the lead, 34-31, with 2:37 to play in the half. Jalil Schenck and Robert Mullan each had four during the quick run by the Golden Wolves.
• The Golden Wolves kept it rolling and pushed their lead to six, 38-32, on a putback layup by Malik Slay with 1:25. That marked the final points of the first half as Alvernia took its 38-32 lead into the half.
• Alvernia pushed its lead to eight, 40-32, on a Jakob Kelly jumper to open the half, but the Valiants worked their way back and finally tied the game back up at 58-58 on a putback layup with 8:38 to play.
• Alvernia retook the lead on a pair of made free throws by Kyle Gordon, but the Golden Wolves and Valiants went nearly point for point for the remainder of the game. 
• With Alvernia holding a 70-69 edge with 2:14 to play, Manhattanville tied the game at 70-70 on a made free throw with 43 seconds to play. 
• Alvernia had a 3-point look from Robert Mullan to take the lead with 22 seconds to play, but Mullan's shot missed. Nigel Cooke was able to come down with the offensive board and the Valiants fouled him to send him to the line with 17 seconds to play. Cooke made both free throw attempts to give Alvernia the 72-70 lead. Manhattanville had the last shot, but missed the mark. Kyle Gordon came down with the rebound for Alvernia to seal the win for the Golden Wolves. 

Inside the Box Score

• Malik Slay and Robert Mullan both finished with 16 points and five rebounds each. Slay also had five steals and Mullan added three assists.
• Nigel Cooke had a 13 point, 13 rebound double-double.

Up Next

• Alvernia will take on the host Privateers on Sunday at noon for the ECAC Semifinal.