Box Score

READING, Pa. – Led by a game-high 20 points from Charles Swiggett, cross-town rivals Alvernia University (4-1/1-0 CC) handed men's basketball (2-2/0-1 CC) their first conference loss of the season, with a 50-44 decision Wednesday evening in the Bollman Center in front of 1,473 noisy fans.

The win is the first for the Crusaders since the 2006-07 season, and evens the all-time series record between the two programs at 10-10. Also adding to Alvernia's win was Seth Cornell and Brian Nerney who each put-up 10 points. Nerney was also the Crusader's top rebounder with 12 boards on the night.

For Albright, sophomore Cornell Mickens recorded a team-best 13 points, while junior Shane Irwin recorded a career-high 17 boards. The Lions as whole struggled on both sides of the court. Normally a hot shooting team especially from behind the arc, the red and white made just one 3-point basket on 20 attempts. From the field they were 21-for-71 and only 1-of-6 at the line. The Lions did dominate the glass recording a season high 51 rebounds, while Alvernia combined for just 37 boards.

Wednesday's match-up was a far cry from last year's double overtime thriller, as both teams struggled to gain any type of offensive rhythm. Through the first 20 minutes Albright managed to shoot 37% from the field (10-27), but was plagued by turnovers recording a total of 12 as compared to Alvernia's four.

Out of the gates, the Lions held a slim advantage over the conference rivals, but were never able to pull away. By the midway point, the two teams were neck and neck. Alvernia eventually jumped out a four point lead going into the break.

After the intermission, Alvernia maintained solid control of the scoreboard, extending their lead to eight with less than eight minutes to play. Albright tried to close the gap, but every time they came close Alvernia answered right back.

Men's basketball returns to action on Saturday when they travel to Lycoming College for a 3 p.m. conference match-up.