READING, Pa. -- The Albright men's basketball team will be attempting to reverse its recent fortunes when it travels to face rival Alvernia on Wednesday (Jan. 21) at 8 p.m. on Jack McCloskey Court.
The Lions will reach the midway point of the conference season on Wednesday and will be looking to bring a halt to a four-game losing skid in the process. And what better way to bring an end to a losing streak than against your rival. At least, that's what the Lions are hoping for in the first game of this annual battle.
Albright, which enters the game with a 6-9 overall record and a 2-5 mark in the Commonwealth Conference, has found any number of ways to lose during its recent streak. The Lions dropped an overtime decision at Lycoming, overcame an early 20-point deficit at Hood but lost in the last minute and lost two games at home where they have won almost 70 percent of their games in the last eight years.
The good news for the Lions is, that despite their youth and inexperience, they are clearly a very talented team. And that talent can take over a game at any time.
Sophomore
Omari Ringgold has been the Lions top offensive player and leads the team averaging 14.0 points per game and is coming off of a career-best 25-point scoring effort at Hood. Ringgold has even been better in conference play where he is averaging 15.6 points per contest.
Junior
Evan Ward has been Albright's most consistent player this season and is averaging 11.1 points and a team-leading 9.0 rebounds per game. He is tied with Ringgold for the most double-figure scoring games on the season with 12 and leads the Lions with four double-doubles on the year.
Freshmen
DeJuan Smith and
Gilberto Benz have been welcome additions to the Lion backcourt. Smith is also averaging in double figures at 10.1 points per game, while Benz is scoring 9.9 points per contest.
Alvernia enters the contest with a 9-6 overall record and a 4-3 record in the Commonwealth Conference.
The game can be heard live on the
Albright sports network beginning at 8 p.m. The voice of the Lions, Bob McCool, will call the action.
