Cavs' defense clamps down for win

by Brian O'Connell assistant sports editor

Defense was key as the men's basketball team defeated the Alvemia College Crusaders, 62-58, at the Dixon Center in the last home game of the regular season.

The game, played on Saturday, Feb. 13, was especially sweet for seniors Ty Ross, Derrick Grayson, Roman Gabriel and Bill Gibson as they played their final regular season game at the Dixon Center.

Senior forward Cory Miller did not dress due to injury.

The game started with strong defense by the Cavs forcing turnovers and scoring on fast breaks.

However, Cabrini had problems of its own. Alvemia forced Cabrini to turn the ball over which led to some fast break points.

The first half was very close, with Cabrini enjoying its largest lead at 23-18. Cabrini was able to take the lead with some free throws by junior Tim Anderlonis, who finished the game with 16 points to lead the Cavs. The strong defense carried through the remainder of the first half, with Cabrini holding a 29-28 edge. The team looked very frustrated as they headed for the locker room wishing they had a larger lead.

"We played man-to-man defense most of the time, but it was not as successful as it was in the past against Alvemia," said head coach

JohnDzik:.

Alvemia led the turnovers with 11 while Cabrini coughed the ball up eight times in the first half. Cabrini out-rebounded the Crusaders 22-19. "Our offense struggled, but you had to give credit to Alvemia's defense," said Dzik.

Alvemia came out of the locker room looking like a different team. Down 29-28, the Crusaders went on an 8-4 run to claim a 3633 lead. The momentum started to shift towards AJvemia's direction, which forced Dzik:to take a time-out and gather his players together.

The defense by the Cavs was not as strong and the Crusaders found ways to get the ball inside, penetrating the openings of the Cabrini defense. Alvernia enjoyed its biggest lead of the game at 54-49 with 4:40 left in the game.

The Cavs then responded with a 7-0 run to take a 56-54 lead with 2:59 remaining. The run was capped off by last-second shots by sophomores Tyquine Wilson and Tramaine White. The 7-0 run forced AJvemia coach Jack McCloskey to take a time-out. The crowd responded to Cabrini's comeback, as they rose to their feet to applaud.

After the timeout, the Cavs took care of the ball and denied the Crusaders of any comeback they had in mind to win the game. The Cavs made their free throws down the stretch, escaping with the 62-58 victory.

PAC Standings

Women'sBasketball

photo by Sophomore Tyquine Wilson lays the ball up for a score in the Gav's win over Alvernia.

''When we were down, we knew we needed to score, so I called a time-out and set a play up for Tun Anderlonis to score and Jim Mc-

Tamney as our second optio~ Scoring in double figures f~was junior Tnn Anderlonis who led the way with a game-high 16 points. Junior Jim McTamney finished with 14 points.

For Alvemia, Justin Armstrong and Drew Gosseaux finished with 13 points apiece. Joe Grey downed 11 points and Lonnie Walker pitched in with 10 points.

The Cavs remain in sole possession of second place in the PAC with an 11-4 record and 17-6 overall. Alvemia fell to 9-5 in the PAC, are even at 11-11 overall and are now tied for third place with Neumann College.

Cabrini closes out its season at Marywood on February 17. The Cavs will begin their run for anothe title against Eastern this Satur ~20 at the Dixon Center at :OOp.m.

UPNEXT... • PAC PLAYOFFS '; ,. •

Cabrini Cavaliers vs. Eastern Eagles

Saturday,Feb. 20

Time: 7 p.m.

Location:Dixon Center

Free Admission with Student l.D.