Glenside, PA - A strong second half helped the Messiah women's basketball team earn their first MAC Commonwealth victory of the season Saturday as they took down the Knights (3-4, 0-2) of Arcadia University 54-49.

After falling behind 23-30 at the half, the Falcons (4-3, 1-1) chipped away at their deficit to take the eventual lead during the third quarter. Tenacious defense and key offensive rebounds from Jen Fairbanks and Maci Thornton helped sway the momentum into Messiah's favor.

The Falcons outscored the Knights 31-19 throughout the second half with 11 of their points coming off of turnovers.

After a quiet first half, Gillian Glackin turned things up in the late stages of the game, contributing 12 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 75% (6-of-8) from the free throw line.
 
Free throws made all the difference for the Falcons in the second half as they scored 13 points from the charity stripe.

Glackin finished the game with 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Fairbanks contributed 9 points and 3 rebounds. Thornton shot 60% from the field scoring 8 points and bringing in 3 rebounds.

Alecia Rohrer and Kristen Smoluk also added to the Falcons' offensive presence with Smoluk contributing 9 points while Rohrer added six points and 8 rebounds.

The Falcons next game will be on Wednesday when they host Marymount University at 6:00 p.m.