FREDERICK, Md. - The Hood College men's basketball dropped a 65-61 final to visiting Alvernia in Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth action at BB&T Arena.

The Crusaders' Charles Cooper caught fire and scored nearly half of Alvernia's points. He went 7-of-13 from 3-point range to finish with 28 points. 

The Blazers were led by Davon Hill (Clinton, Md. / Potomac School) with 15 points. Tanner Ruths (Stephens City, Va. / Sherando) came off the bench for 10 points and five assists. Daniel Wegener (Falling Waters, W.Va. / Broadfording Christian (Md.)) had a game-high 11 rebounds. Isaiah Daniels (Martinsburg, W.Va. / Broadfording Christian (Md.)) hit two 3-pointers for his first six career points.

The Crusaders started the game with a 26-11 run and led 35-24 at the half. 

Hood still trailed 60-46 in the second half before closing with a 15-5 run over the final four minutes and 43 seconds. 

The Blazers dominated the glass in the game, outrebounding Alvernia 44-24. The end result was a 20-3 edge on second chance points that helped Hood stay in the game. 

The Crusaders' starters scored all 65 points, as three reserves combined to play just 17 minutes and attempted only one field goal. Alex Shippen and Marquis Marshall each scored 11 points. Reid Hoff grabbed eight rebounds and George Sapp dished out seven assists. Shippen, Hoff and Sapp each played all 40 minutes, while Cooper played 38 minutes. 

Led by 10 points by Ruths, the Hood bench held a 22-0 scoring advantage over its counterparts.

The Blazers, 8-6 overall and 2-3 in the MAC Commonwealth, host Lycoming on Saturday, January 9 at 3 p.m.