Grantham, PA - Messiah College scored 56 second-half points and set a season-high point total in a lopsided 92-43 win over Hood College on Wednesday night. The win pushed the Falcons to 9-4 in the MAC Commonwealth and 15-7 overall.

The tone was set in the early moments of the game as the Falcons opened up play with a 10-0 run. As the quarter progressed, Messiah shot 41.2% (7-17) from the field, outscoring the Blazers (4-18, 0-13) to the tune of 18-4 in the first. The Falcons matched their offensive output in the second quarter, adding another 18 points to their tally for a 36-15 advantage.

Balanced scoring and fresh legs played a pivotal role in the strong start as nine different Falcons found the bottom of the net, contributing to a 40.6% (13-32) shooting percentage in the first half.

Defensively, the Falcons' tenacity forced 22 first half turnovers by the Blazers.

The game quickly became out-of-reach in the third quarter as the Falcons posted 32 points in the frame to take a 68-29 lead.
 
Before it was all said and done, the Falcons collected 92 total points, receiving offensive contributions from 14 different players.  Kaitlyn Hoff led the charge with 14 points, while Jen Fairbanks, Alecia Rohrer, and Maci Thornton each contributed 11.
 
On the night, the Falcons shot 51.5% (35-68) from the field, were 6-15 (40%) from three, and were 72.7% (16-22) from the free throw line.
 
This was Messiah's most prolific offensive effort since January 31, 2009 when the Falcons posted 98 points against Arcadia University.
 
Defensively, the Falcons set new statistical standards for the season in rebounds (51), steals (16), blocked shots (11), and forced the most turnovers by an opponent at 36.
 
Messiah's 9-4 conference record has them in a three-way tie for second-place with both Lebanon Valley and Stevenson. The Falcons play at Widener this Saturday before hosting the Dutchmen next Tuesday, Feb. 16.