Playing their third game in the last six days, the Eastern University women's basketball team was unable to keep pace with a strong Alvernia team. The Eagles were within two with three mintues to play in the first half, but the visiting Crusaders used a 51-32 advantage on the glass to pound out a 79-54 win.

Bekah Roland led the Eagles with 17 points, and Carmen Weaver chipped in with 10 points off the bench. Kelli McIntyre scored a game-high 22 points on a variety of lay-ins floaters and points in transition. Allison Toczylowski (13 points, 12 rebounds) and Alexandra Velazquez (16 points 11 rebounds) recorded double-doubles for the visitors.

Alvernia held an eight point edge at 15-7, but balanced scoring and solid defense from the Eagles over the next nine minutes helped the Eagles to cut the deficit to two with 4:23 to play. The two teams traded baskets twice, but the Eagles were unable to break through to tie the game. The Crusaders finished the half on an 8-2 run to take a 37-29 lead into the locker room.

After Alvernia opened the scoring in the second half, the two teams traded baskets and the difference remained between ten and elevenpoints until the twelve minute mark. The visitors then ran out to an 11-2 run to push their lead to 21. The Crusaders made5-7 three pointers in the second half.

The Eagles, who came into this evening's game off a Freedom Conference win over FDU on Monday, will try to get back on the winning track when they host Wilkes at 1:00 on Saturday. Those unable to make the game in person can follow it online at www.goeasterneagles.com/livestats

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