Grantham, PA - The Falcons defeated the Eastern Mennonite University Royals 70-65 Saturday night to win the TownePlace Suites Tip-Off Tournament held in Brubaker Auditorium. Josh Clippinger, and his 15 points, led a quintet of Falcons in double figures.


Joining Clippinger in double figures were teammates Zac Hoy (14), Geoff Boyle (10), and Luke Cable (10).  Ryan Yates had a game-high 29 points for the Royals in the losing effort.
 
The first half was a back and forth battle of short runs for both teams where neither team could hold the lead long enough to feel comfortable. The Royals would frequently strike first, but the Falcons would counter with a run of their own to tie and oftentimes take the lead. Throughout the half neither team held more than a six-point lead.
 
At the half, the Falcons took a one-point advantage into the locker room, leading 32-31. They had ended the half on a 7-1 and looked to have the momentum.
 
In the second half the Falcons looked strong, leading for every moment of the half. The Falcons built their lead to a 12-point advantage with 11:49 remaining in the game, thanks in part to five straight points by Zac Hoy.
 
The Royals battled back with Ryan Yates leading the charge. The Royals brought the Falcon lead within striking distance as the 6'7" senior guard hit big shot after big shot. Yates' amassed 29 points for the game – the second-highest point total in a single game for his career – but the Royals effort would fall short.
 
While the Falcon lead was cut to three in the final 10 seconds, Messiah would pull out the 70-65 victory to claim the victory in their home tournament.
 
The Royals shot just 8 of 23 (34.8%) from the free throw line, including a 0-9 effort by David Falk. Messiah converted 26 of their 39 free throws (66.7%) to hold a distinct advantage from the charity stripe.
 
Zac Hoy and Luke Cable played all 40 minutes for the Falcons.
 
Hoy was honored as the tournament MVP for his play across the two games. Hoy played all but four minutes for the Falcons in the tournament (including all 40 tonight). He averaged 12.5 ppg, 3.5 apg and 3 rpg while shooting a combined 5-12 from the floor and 14-23 from the free-throw line. The senior also collected three steals.
 
Josh Clippinger was named to the all tournament team, averaging 17 ppg and 7 rpg in the tournament.
 
The 2014 TownePlace Suites All-Tournament Team
Ryan Yates – EMU
David Falk – EMU
Josh Clippinger – Messiah
Cody Deil – DeSales
Kris Owens – John Jay
Zac Hoy – Messiah (MVP)