READING, Pa.—The Hood College men's basketball team (14-10, 8-9 Commonwealth) was defeated by Alvernia University (20-4, 14-3 Commonwealth) 70-59, which snapped a four-game winning streak for the Blazers. The loss did not eliminate Hood from Commonwealth playoff contention, which makes their game against Lycoming this Saturday a must win. On the flip side, Alvernia clinched home court advantage throughout the conference playoffs with the victory.
It was a 14-0 run in the second half that turned out to be the pivotal factor of the contest. Hood had a 37-36 lead at the 16:15 mark and then found itself trailing 50-37 after a Charles Cooper three-pointer four minutes later. The four-minute scoring drought wound up costing the Blazers with the blue-and-grey unable to get any closer than six points the rest of the way.
Senior Justin Stone had a huge game in defeat, as the forward matched his career-high in points with 23 on 9-14 shooting from the floor. Stone's inside presence throughout the game was vital in keeping Hood close and his 23 points was also a game high.
Junior guard Cameron Cook added 19 points, including going a stellar 5-6 from three. Cook missed just two shots all evening and had one of his most efficient games in a Blazer uniform.
Alvernia had four players in double-figures and were led by bench player Cooper, who scored 16 points on the evening.
The first half was very even throughout with neither team able to establish a solid lead. Hood grabbed an early 8-7 advantage off a Cook three, but Alvernia would answer with jumpers by Deyo Harrison and Terrance Bridgers. Hood would not let Alvernia pull away though and was able to tie the game at 18 after a made Davon Hill three and a Stone free throw. Alvernia rebounded and took a six-point lead off two Bridgers free throws, however Cook made another three right before the half to send Hood into the break down just a point at 29-28.
The beginning of the second half was very similar to that of the first half with both teams connecting with shots. Stone's jumper at the 16:15 mark of the half gave Hood a 37-36 lead, but that is when the devastating 14-0 run for Alvernia occurred.
Free throw shooting also came into play with Alvernia making more free throws on the night than the Blazers attempted. Alvernia hit its free throws down the stretch to hold Hood at bay and send Hood to its first loss in five games.
Hood is set to host Lycoming College at BB&T Arena this Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. Seniors Justin Stone and Trey Quinn will be honored before the game for senior day in what will surely be an emotional day. The game will help clear up the conference playoff picture and a lot will be on the line with both Hood and Lycoming needing a win.