BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Feb. 3, 2011) - Alvernia University (13-4, 8-1) put all five starters in double figures led by 20 points from junior Stefan Thompson (Philadelphia, Pa./G.A.M.P.) in a 78-58 win over Arcadia University (5-14, 0-9) Thursday evening in a Commonwealth Conference men's basketball game at the Physical Education Center.

"Our offensive proficiency was the best all year," said Alvernia head coach Mike Miller.  "We ran our sets and got the shots we wanted."

The offense clicked to the tune of 59 percent from the floor, easily the best effort of the season.  It was just the third time the team has hit better than 50 percent from the floor.  The first a 52-percent effort in a win over PSU-Berks in the second game of the season and the other a similar 52-percent showing at Arcadia.

Even with the good offense the team needed one big play to close out Arcadia which got a 32-point effort from graduate student Damian Palentino.

Up 10 points with five minutes to go the Crusaders got a 3-point play on a back door cut from Seth Cornell (Millersville, Pa./Penn Manor) to spark a 15-4 run that put the game away.

"That was the biggest point of the game," said Miller.  "I asked my team in the locker room what play won the game and they all hit me with that one.  It's a read for Booney [Cory Boone (Howard, Pa./Bald Eagle Area)].  Seth made the cut, good, and foul."

Cornell finished the game with 14 points, three assists, and three steals.  Boone had 13 points, four assists, and four blocks.  Brian Nerney (Middletown, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) scored 16 points, and Tad Gillis (Upper Darby, Pa./Upper Darby), the last of the five starters, added 11 points and five assists.

"This time of the year every game is going to be a dogfight," finished Miller.  "You gotta make plays and put yourself in situations down the stretch that calls for a play."

The Crusaders made all the plays Thursday and will need to continue to play that way with an important trip to Messiah on Saturday.

Alvernia 78, Arcadia 58