Grantham, PA – The Falcons picked up a crucial victory in the Commonwealth Conference tonight as they defeated Arcadia University 68-53.
 
The win puts Messiah back in the thick of things as they now own sole possession of third place in the Conference.
 
Hannah Nichols' big three-pointer got the Falcons out of the gate quick, as they went on to take an early 7-0 lead over the Knights. Messiah extended their lead to eight points, when they held a 20-12 lead with just under 8:30 to play in the first-half. Arcadia, however refused to go down quietly, using a 14-4 run to take a 27-24 lead almost six minutes later.
 
A huge three by Hannah Brown ended the Knights run and tied the game up for the Falcons at 27-27. Immediately following Brown's three, Gillian Glackin converted an and-one layup to give Messiah the 30-27 lead going into the half.
 
The Falcons came out of the half-time break hot using an 11-2 run to open up a 12-point lead. They wouldn't relinquish that lead, leading the entirety of the second-half. Gillian Glackin led the charge for the Falcons with a team high 17 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks. Sienna Wisse also contributed nine points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
 
"Sienna was really strong for us tonight and contributed in a number of ways." said Messiah head coach Mike Miller of his senior guard, "She was all over the court, and battled hard inside. She also made her teammates better tonight, and we fed off her energy whenever we needed to make a play."
 
The Falcons allowed Arcadia to shoot at a 39.3% clip in the first half, compared to the 32.4% mark the Knights allowed. Head coach Mike Miller challenged his girls to flip those numbers and hold Arcadia to just 24% shooting in the second half. The Falcons outdid him, and held the Knights to an incredible 23.5% in the second half, while shooting 46.4% themselves.
 
Dominique Seamon added 12 points for the Falcons as they would cruise to victory.
 
Megan Fox led the charge for the Knights with 14 points, and six rebounds.
 
With the win, the Falcons advance to 4-3 in the conference (8-8 overall) and they next take on Hood College at home, this Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6:00 p.m. as they look to continue their rise in the Commonwealth.