Box Score Reading, PA (February 20, 2013) - A pair of potential game tying three-pointers by the Arcadia University Knights (16-11) would not fall in a heartbreaking 69-66 loss at the Alvernia Crusaders (22-4) in the semifinals of the MAC Commonwealth Tournament. The Knights led for most of the second half, but a late second half run by the Crusaders put them ahead as they held on and will advance to Saturday's Championship Game.

The score was tied at six early on, but a 12-2 by Arcadia gave the Knights a 16-8 lead with 13:40 to play in the first half. The Knights then led 21-14, but a 7-0 run by Alvernia tied the game at 21. The game remained close for the final 6:46 of the first half was tied at 25 at the 4:21 mark. The Crusaders scored seven of the half's final nine points and went into the break with a 32-27 lead.

Saltus scored 10 points in the first half to lead Arcadia. Brian Parker scored 11 to lead Alvernia. The Crusaders shot 48% from field and held the Knights to 35%. Arcadia controlled the boards 19-13 and team's combined for 14 turnovers, nine of those by the Knights.

Arcadia tied the game at 36 early in the second and the game was then tied at 40 with 16:18 to play. Alvernia then went up 45-40, but a 9-0 spurt by the Knights game then a 49-45 lead with 11:28 to play. The Crusaders struck right back and the game was tied at 51 at the 9:20 mark. The Knights then used a 10-2 run to go back up by eight at 61-53 with 4:53 to play.

Alvernia used the next three minutes to go on a 12-2 run and take a 65-63 lead at the 1:09 mark. Saltus tied the game with a pair of free throws at 1:04, but a good jumper by the Crusaders with 44-seconds to play put them up 67-65. The Knights had a chance to tie the game from the line, but went 1-2 with 21-seconds left. Alvernia then hit a pair of free throws with 12-second left to go up 69-66. Saltus and Macolm Still both had looks from beyond the arc as time ran out, but neither shot could fall and the Knights season came to an end.

Saltus was 6-8 from the field and 6-6 from the line. Rashon Brock added 12 points and five boards off the bench. Parker finished with 27 for Alvernia. Both teams shot 42% from the field and Arcadia had a slight 37-35 lead on the boards.