READING (PA) – Nick Rivera's 19 points and 11 rebounds lifted Alvernia University to a 67-60 victory over visiting Delaware Valley College in the Freedom Conference opener for both squads.

The Crusaders (3-3, 1-0) led throughout most of the first half, but a 14-0 run by the Aggies (1-4, 0-1) gave Delaware Valley a 36-30 advantage with 1:23 left in the stanza. James Jones scored nine of the 14 points while Jason Goldheimer added the remaining five.

Alvernia ended the half with four straight to pull to within two at the break. It then went on a 13-3 spurt in the opening five minutes of the second stanza to build a 47-39 lead. Delaware Valley fought back with 13 of the next 18 points, culminating with back-to-back jumpers by Chris Mayo, to tie the contest at 52-52 with 9:09 remaining.

However, Rivera scored six straight points to regain the advantage for the Crusaders. The Aggies got as close as four on a pair of occasions, including at 62-58 with 2:45 left, but Alvernia responded with four straight to put the game away.

In addition to Rivera, Eric Barefield chipped in with 11 points and eight assists. Jeff Amponsah also hit double figures with 10 points.

Jones led all players with 20 points while Goldheimer and Mayo finished with 13 points apiece. Mayo also had eight rebounds to tie for team-high honors with fellow rookie Mike Williams (nine points).