BOX SCORE

Chester, Pa. (Feb. 9, 2011) -  Widener University (16-6, 7-4) erased a 14-point first-half deficit then scored the first 13 points of the second half en route to an 81-69 win over Alvernia University (12-10, 5-6) Wednesday evening in Commonwealth Conference women's basketball action at Widener.

The Crusaders built their early lead over the first 10 minutes, but couldn't keep up the pressure with junior center Angela Altemose (Pottsville, Pa./Nativity BVM) one of three starters to sit early with foul trouble.  Altemose finished with a game-high 23 points, but scored only six of those in seven minutes in the first half.

Alvernia led 27-13 with 8:18 left in the first half, but Widener cut eight points off that lead over the next three minutes with a 10-2 run.  Six of those points coming from the free throw line.

The lead was completely gone on two more free throws with 55 seconds left in the half, and Alvernia needed a layup from Allie Toczylwoski (Mantua, N.J./Clearview Regional) on the final possession of the half to hit the break tied at 39-all.

Alvernia then opened the second half with four misses from the field and three turnovers while Widener rattled off 13 straight points to take a 52-39 lead.

The Crusaders were able to cut that lead down to five points, 59-54 with 11 minutes to go, but the Pride responded with 11 of the next 12 points for a comanding 15-point lead, 70-55 with just over six to go.

Toczylowski, who finished with 12 points, and Altemose both recorded double-doubles with 10 rebounds each, and Lil Snyder (Lancaster, Pa./Lampeter Strasburg) in just her fourth start of the season scored a dozen.  Widener put five players in double figures led by Joanna Persiano who scored 15 on the strength of four 3-pointers.

Alvernia returns home to host Lycoming on Saturday.  The Crusaders are currently tied for fourth in the conference standings with Elizabethtown.

Widener 81, Alvernia 69