READING, Pa. – The Albright men's basketball team (9-10, 2-6 MAC Commonwealth) played host to Alvernia University (13-6, 5-3 MAC Commonwealth) on Saturday (Jan. 27) in a Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) battle between the local rivals. The Golden Wolves won today's version of the rivalry over the Lions 73-72.

Eric Chamberlain, who scored a game high 25 points, came within inches of sending the game into overtime. Albright had the ball down three needing to go the length of the court. Head Coach Rick Ferry designed a beautiful play that got Chamberlain a look at tying the game. Chamberlain got his shot off with .1 seconds left on the clock, making the shot, however his foot was just on the three-point line making the made basket a two pointer and seeing the Lions lose by one in regulation.

Chamberlain was fantastic in the second half after struggling in the first. The dynamic guard scored all of his 25 points in the second half nearly willing the Lions to victory. The 25 points were good for a game high and the second most points Chamberlain has scored this season in a game. Additionally, Chamberlain added three rebounds and four assists to his overall stat line.

Hasson Massenburg played 30 minutes this afternoon and finished with 12 points. The Albright big man did a great job of getting to the free throw line shooting eight free throw attempts and making five. Massenburg collected three rebounds and three assists in a solid outing for the sophomore.

Chris Kouemi was a monster on the glass going for a season high 17 rebounds. Of the 17 total rebounds, five of them came on the offensive end of the court. Kouemi added four points and tallied one steal.

The first half was tightly contested throughout. Alvernia led after 20 minutes of play at 37-31. The Golden Wolves made seven first half three's and shot 41.4% from the floor in the opening 20 minutes.

Albright took the lead late in the second half on a Massenburg corner three in front of the home bench. With Albright in front 70-69, Alvernia's Jakob Kelly made a jumper on the ensuing possession putting Alvernia back in front 71-70. After an Albright missed shot, Alvernia had two free throws, making both, which proved to be the difference in the game. In the end, Alvernia escaped by the slimmest of margins with a victory.

Isaac LaPierre poured in nine points for the Lions. All of LaPierre's points came from beyond the line as the senior guard made three threes in the game. LaPierre added three rebounds and a block in 30 minutes of game action.

Phanique Dupree and Robert Mangum each finished with seven points. Dupree was disruptive on the defensive end of the court all night for the Lions registering five blocks. Dupree, on the season now has 39 total blocks. Mangum added four rebounds to his stat line giving him 301 career rebounds as an Albright Lion.

Despite the loss, Albright's bench outscored Alvernia's 37-11. Albright shot 36.0% from the floor and made nine total threes as a team.
 
Up Next:
The Albright men's basketball team will stay home for their next game welcoming Hood College to town on Wednesday, January 31.  The game is set for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff from the Bollman Center.