FREDERICK, Md.—The Hood College men's basketball team (10-7, 4-6 Commonwealth) was defeated by Alvernia University (13-3, 8-2 Commonwealth) 74-64 in conference action Monday night. The loss dropped Hood four games behind the conference leading Crusaders, as Hood dropped a game at home for just the second time this season.

Junior guard Justin Bowens had a great game, scoring a career high of 18 points on 6-13 shooting. Bowens backcourt teammate Cameron Cook was the only other Blazer in double-figures with 15 points, including three makes from three point territory. Alvernia had a very balanced score sheet with all five starters scoring in double-figures. 

Hood found themselves trying to catch up to Alvernia all game, as the Crusaders started the game on a 9-2 run. Hood went on a 6-0 run of their own that was capped off with a Cook three to get their offense on track. Alvernia would then go on a 10-0 run to give themselves a nice cushion the rest of the half. Hood was unable to get any closer than six points the rest of the half with Alvernia taking a 42-32 lead into intermission. The 42 points Alvernia scored was the second most points Hood has given up in a first half this season. 

The beginning of the second half was much of the same for the Blazers, with Alvernia reaching its largest lead of 13 points at the 12:45 mark of the half. Hood also had a big setback when Cook fouled out of the game at the 8:58 mark of the second half. Hood had a comeback in it though, as a Bowens jumper and layup brought Hood to within three points at 59-56. A layup by guard Chris Davis gave Alvernia a five point lead, but Bowens countered with another jumper to bring the score to within 61-58. Davis then hit an absolute dagger three with one second remaining on the shot clock that not only deflated the crowd, but seemed to deflate Hood as well. The Blazers were resigned to fouling the rest of the way and Alvernia converted its free throws en route to sending Hood to its second straight conference defeat.

Hood gets right back to work this Wednesday when they take on Stevenson University at BB&T Arena. The game is set to begin at 8 p.m.