Matthew CavailerTempers flared as the men’s basketball team battled against the Alvernia Crusaders at home in a disappointing loss of 61-53 on Wednesday, Feb. 19, breaking their three-game winning streak. Their streak was broken, but their place in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference tournament remained secure.
Saturday, Feb. 22 marked the end of the regular Pennsylvania Athletic Conference season. The first round of the PAC semi-finals were scheduled to begin Tuesday, Feb. 25, pitting Eastern University, seeded 6, against Alvernia College, seeded 3, and Gwynedd-Mercy College, seeded 5, against College Misercordia, seeded 4. The semi-finals are scheduled to start Thursday, Feb. 27, and the finals March 1.
The 14 and eight Crusaders dominated the first half, keeping an offensive edge above the 16 and seven Cavaliers. The half ended with Cabrini trailing by one point after a three-point foul brought the score to 23-22.
The Cavs started off the second half holding strong, on defense and keeping the point difference minimal.
A series of confusing calls caused a tumult as Cabrini fans passionately defended the Cavs, and jeered the visiting team. Fans resorted to name-calling and profanity as Alvernia’s score pulled further ahead.
This is not Cabrini’s first difficult game against Alvernia. At their last meeting, on Jan. 25, the Crusaders dominated the boards, leaving with a win of 63-49 over the Cavaliers.
The Cavs are 7-1 in the PAC this season, the only loss against the Crusaders. They have won five games against Alvernia in past PAC tournaments.
