The Albright College men's basketball team earned a big rivalry win over Alvernia on Wednesday in the Bollman Center, holding off the defending Commonwealth Conference champions for an 80-72 victory.

In front of a pair of packed student sections, Albright senior Kyle Jordan turned in a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Classmate Pedro Perez also had a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

Freshmen Sameen Swint (14 points) and Josh Marquez (11 points) were in each in double figures and made important baskets for the Lions. Junior Evan Ward (9 points) made all four field goal attempts, and defensively sophomore Calvert Gantz totaled three blocks and four steals.

Jordan chased down consecutive offensive rebounds to preserve an early second half possession, and was eventually fouled while scoring. He missed the and-one opportunity, but the Lions still led 52-41. Jordan then pulled down a board at the opposite end, leading to Swint's fast break and a 54-41 lead.

Alvernia went on a 12-4 run, with a crucial three-point play from Ward restoring a 63-57 Albright advantage. Jordan scored to make it 65-57, Devin Brown picked Chris Davis' pocket, and Ward made a floater for a double-digit lead.

Alvernia made one more push late, but Lion senior Sam Marrella recovered a loose ball with 2:35 remaining and fed Gantz for a 71-65 lead. Jordan completed a tough three-point play to put the Red and White ahead 74-66 with just over two minutes to play.

Marquez made a three-pointer with 10:35 left in the first half for a 16-13 Albright lead. Brown also hit a triple to extend the gap to 28-18.

Davis drained a pair from behind the arc late in the first period and then assisted Khalil Bennett's three-pointer to tie the contest at 33-all. Swint answered from downtown as Albright took a 38-35 lead at halftime.

All five Alvernia starters are averaging in double-figures and all five did so tonight. Brian Parker totaled 16 points and nine rebounds while Davis had 15 points and eight assists. Bennett (15 points), Harrison Deyo (10 points, 13 rebounds) and Lamont Clark (15 points, eight rebounds) all contributed as well.

Albright (11-9, 7-6) is 1.5 games ahead of Lebanon Valley (who was postponed tonight vs. Hood) for the final Commonwealth playoff spot. The two teams face off Saturday in Annville, Pa.; the Lions will need a victory with LVC currently holding a head-to-head advantage.