BOX SCORE PHOTOS
Reading, Pa. (Jan. 7, 2012) – Senior forward Brian Nerney (Middletown, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) scored a career-high18 points with 10 rebounds and Alvernia University (9-3) used an impressive second half for a 71-56 win over Delaware Valley College (2-9) in non-conference men's basketball action at the Physical Education Center.
Alvernia held a 30-26 lead at the break and after a 3 from Del Val to open the second half, the Crusaders outscored DVC 41-27 the rest of the way. Nerney scored seven points during an 11-2 run as the Crusaders pushed the lead to 10 points, 41-31 with 14:33 to go. Del Val wasn't able to get closer than eight the rest of the way.
"What turned the game around was our bench," said Alvernia Head Coach Mike Miller after he improved to 2-1 in three career games with the Aggies. "Basically we wanted them to pick up the pace defensively and offensively. Push it a little more and make the game a little faster."
Reserve guard Lamont Clark (Parkesburg, Pa./Octorara) was the first sub off the bench during the early second half run then Terrance Bridgers (Drexel Hill, Pa./Upper Darby) came in later and hit a jumper right away that pushed Alvernia's lead to 11 points, 49-38.
Nerney recorded his first double-double of the season for the Crusaders.
"He's getting more comfortable since Boone's back healthy," said Miller of Nerney. "The last couple of games with Boone healthy we're seeing the Nerney of last year."
A season ago Nerney finished as the league leader in shooting percentage and was in the top 10 in rebounding.
Cory Boone (Howard, Pa./Bald Eagle) posted a double-double, his second in the last three games, with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Stefan Thompson (Philadelphia, Pa./G.A.M.P.) reached double figures with 17 points going 3-for-6 from the arc.
Delaware Valley put three players in double figures led by 16 from Nathan Bollinger.
Alvernia improved to 5-0 this season when it holds an opponent under 60 points and has now won seven straight. The Crusaders return to the conference schedule Wednesday when they host Arcadia at 6:00 p.m.
Alvernia 71, Delaware Valley 56