Neumann senior Kim Hinkle (Wilmington, DE/Padua Academy) hit her only two field goals of the night and scored seven points during an 18-2 run that turned a 12 point deficit into a four point lead with seven minutes left in the game. Higgs scored to stop the run and sophomore Allee Barnes (Blooming Glen, PA/Pennridge) tied the score at 52-all with 6:23 to play.
The ensuing six minutes featured six lead changes, the final one putting Neumann up 60-59 on a Caitlin Agnew (Philadelphia, PA/Little Flower) bucket. The Knights (12-3, 6-0 PAC) added a free throw for a two point lead before Alvernia junior Jill Rosolie (Quarryville, PA/Solanco) tied the score at 61 with her fourth bucket of the night.
With just five seconds left between game and shot clock, Neumann held the ball during its final possession finally working the offense for a Brittany Whetts (Philadelphia, PA/Bartram) score with seven seconds to go. An Alvernia turnover led to a single free throw for Neumann who earned the three point victory in a battle of PAC unbeatens.
The Crusaders (8-6, 6-1 PAC) built a four point halftime lead, 32-28, following five first half lead changes and 12 ties. Higgs scored 11 of the first 16 points for the Crusaders and finished the half with 15 points, already two better than her previous career best.
Alvernia doubled the lead to eight with the first four points of the second half. Rosolie opened the frame with a bucket and senior guard Lauren Fortna (Lebanon, PA/Lebanon Catholic), the Crusaders’ leading scorer who endured a 1-for-12 shooting night from the floor, hit four straight free throws and scored her only bucket of the night as the Crusaders pushed the lead to 12 points, 46-34 with 13:31 to play.
Neumann responded with nine straight points, the final five from Hinkle before a hoop from Alvernia freshman Janelle Richardson (Manor, DE/Delcastle), and nine more for the hosts completed the 18-2 run.
Neumann 64, Alvernia 61