CHESTER, Pa. – Before Saturday's game, the Widener university men's basketball team honored its three graduating seniors (James Gillespie, Connor Laverty, and Elijah Boyd) as they suited up for their last regular season game at the Schwartz Center. Against Alvernia, the Pride made a comeback from down 19 late in the second, but fell just short as the Golden Wolves dealt it a 64-67 setback.
 
GAME NOTES

• Connor Laverty posted his third double-double of the season on 17 points and 12 rebounds.
• AJ Sawyers and Kolbey Woodard provided a spark off the bench, tallying 12 and 10 points, respectively.
• Elijah Boyd chipped in with nine points and five boards.
• James Gillespie made his first career-start for the Pride and recorded a steal in the game's opening minutes.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams opened the game by exchanging baskets, but the Golden Wolves began to pull away midway through the first. Widener made a push late with a 6-0 run in the half's final minutes, but Alvernia managed to take a 13 point lead into halftime.
 
The Golden Wolves held onto their double digit lead for much of the second act, going up by as many as 19 at the 13:10 mark. With less than 10 minutes remaining, the Blue and Gold opened up an 18-2 scoring surge and pulled back within reach. Two-free throws by Woodard and an ensuing basket by Sawyers gave the Pride the lead for the first time all afternoon with 1:53 to play. Despite some huge baskets by the Pride, the Golden Wolves regained the advantage in the final seconds and fended off Widener's late efforts.
 
UP NEXT
The Pride begins its final road stint of the season as it travels to nearby Arcadia on Tuesday night to take on the Knights. Tip-off from Glenside, Pa. is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.