The Albright College men's basketball team hosted the Widener Pride on Saturday in the Bollman Center. Albright followed its 10-point victory over Lycoming earlier in the week with another win, defeating the Pride 77-74.

The Lions (10-7, 6-4) entered the game holding on to fifth place in the Commonwealth. Losers in their last four games, the 8-9 Pride started the day with a 2-7 record against conference opponents.

Coming in to the day, the Lions ranked number one overall in the nation in blocked shots per game, averaging 7.3. Sophomore Cavert Gantz (the Commonwealth leader in that category with 3.0 bpg) continued to inch closer to the Albright single-season record, adding another to his season total.

Freshman Sameen Swint played very well leading the Lions in points (26), including four threes, and rebounds (five). He also had three steals and an assist.

Pedro Perez continued to play well for the Lions, scoring in double figures yet again. He finished the night with 21 points, three rebounds, and an assist.

Kyle Jordan followed up his big game against Lycoming (in which he scored 23 points and had 17 rebounds) with another solid effort, scoring 11 points with five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal.

Widener guard Laron Byrd started out hot, going 4-for-4 from beyond the arch to give the Pride an early 14-7 lead.

Later in the half a three-pointer from Swint followed by a turnover, and a layup from the freshman, tied the game at 24-24. A minute later Perez added a layup of his own to put Albright on top.

The teams went back and forth until a Widener three had the Pride back on top 31-30. Perez responded with a jumper to give the Lions a one point lead heading into the half.

The Lions added to the lead in the second with senior Sam Marrella draining a three right off the bat. After making four free throws the Pride was able to tie the game at 35. Widener kept it close until the Lions pulled away for good on another trey from Swint to take a 47-44 lead.

A Marrella steal followed by a layup from freshman Josh Marquez gave Albright an eight-point lead at 59-51. Marrella, the team leader in assists, came close to tying the school record for assists in a game with 10 on the night, missing the mark by three.
The Pride were able to make it a close game, but the Lions held on strong for their 10th victory of the season.

Widener forward Rob McPherson entered the game averaging 19.1 ppg but was held to just five points by the Albright defense.

Greg Lawson, the Pride's leader in rebounds (12.1 rpg), led the team with 16 and added 10 points.

The Lions are now 10-7 on the season, 6-4 in conference play. Albright will look to extend its winning streak when they travel to Arcadia for an 8 p.m. game against the Knights on Wednesday.