CHESTER, Pa. – The Widener University men's basketball team jumped into a tie for second place in the MAC Commonwealth standings after defeating the Stevenson Mustangs on Saturday afternoon by a score of 75-55.

Widener honored (and started) its five seniors before tip-off and the upperclassmen showed their admiration to the program by opening the game with a 7-0 run. Stevenson brought it to within one, but 11 straight points by WU kept the Mustangs at bay. Donovan Simon sunk a three-pointer at the 2:35 mark and knocked down two free-throws with 1:28 remaining to give the Pride a 19-point advantage at the half.

The Blue and Gold's lead grew to 22 points nearly two minutes into the second half. Despite the deficit, Stevenson would not go away, initiating a 15-2 run at the 12:37 mark and bringing it to within seven with a little over eight minutes remaining. Jumpers from Jared Peters and Connor Laverty swung the momentum back into the Pride's favor and Widener never looked back, maintaining a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

The Pride and Hood are both 9-5 in conference play. Widener swept the season series from the Blazers, giving WU the tiebreaker.

By the numbers:

• Donovan Simon finished with a season-high eight points, connecting on two shots from deep.
• Elijah Boyd hit four shots from deep on his way to a 16-point performance. The junior led Widener in rebounds, grabbing nine
• Ryan McMahon went for 12 points and nine assists, nearly completing the double-double
• Connor Laverty had 12 points and seven boards
• The Pride defense caused 16 turnovers
• Jalen Howard came up with a season-high three steals

Up next:
Widener travels to Glenside, Pa. on Tuesday, February 9 to face first place Arcadia. Game time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.