OWINGS MILLS, Md. – No. 18/No. 20 (WBCA/d3hoops.com) Messiah women's basketball team picked up their first win of 2018 by defeating Stevenson University, 67-49. The Falcons moved to 12-1 overall and remain undefeated within the MAC Commonwealth (4-0).
 
The Falcons shot an impressive 27-of-56 (48.2%) from the field, 3-of-9 (33.3%) from three-point range, and 10-of-15 (66.7%) from the free-throw line.
 
Alecia Rohrer had a big night for the Falcons collecting her fifth double-double of the season. Rohrer dominated in the paint and had 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Falcons. Leah Springer also picked up her seventh double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 boards. Maci Thornton added 15 points for Messiah and also dished out five assists. Kristen Smoluk contributed nine points and Kaitlyn Hoff added eight.
 
Turnover Trouble
Messiah started the game off on a nine-to-two run but then struggled to take care of the basketball and collected eight turnovers in the first ten minutes. This was a very unusual performance for this disciplined squad since they average only 12.8 turnovers a game. These turnovers created many opportunities for the Mustangs to cut in the Falcons' lead. With 2:20 remaining in the quarter the Mustangs took a 14-11 lead after Brandi Hall hit a big-time three. Messiah trailed Stevenson 17-14 going into the second quarter.
 
That's More Like It
The Falcons started the second quarter looking more like themselves and started to find their rhythm. Kristen Smoluk got things going with an early bucket and then a little over a minute later, she knocked down a deep two to tie the game at 19-19. Maci Thornton made her way to the free-throw line and hit a pair of free-throws to give Messiah their first second-quarter lead, 21-19. Leah Springer had a phenomenal showing in the second quarter and gathered six points in less than three minutes. The quarter ended with Alecia Rohrer scoring a fast-break lay-up to give Messiah a 31-26 advantage going into the halftime break.
 
Messiah owned the glass in the first-half of play and out-rebounded the Mustangs, 27-15, Alecia Rohrer collected 11 first-half rebounds. The Mustangs showed impressive and scrappy defense and collected eight steals and caused 12 Messiah turnovers in the first-half.
 
Falcons Dominate Second Half
Messiah came out of halftime looking to take control of the game, and that is exactly what they did. The Falcons took an early 11-point (39-28) lead after going on an 8-to-2 run. Maci Thornton continued to add to her team's lead by draining a three with 4:21 remaining in the quarter to give Messiah a 47-33 advantage. Messiah outscored Stevenson 19-9 in the third quarter. The Falcons played solid defense coming out of the halftime break by picking up four steals and holding Stevenson to under ten points.
 
Messiah finished the game strong and continued to add to their lead. The Falcons outscored the Mustangs 17 to 14 in the final quarter of play, to pick up a 67 to 49 victory. Overall, Messiah's second-half performance is what secured their win over Stevenson. The Falcons shot 56% (14-of-25) from the field and 6-of-9 (66.7) from the stripe, they also out-rebounded the Mustangs 17-12 in the second-half of play.
 
After their loss to the Falcons, the Mustangs moved to 7-5 overall and 3-2 in the MAC Commonwealth.
 
Next Up
Messiah will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 6 when they travel to Chester, PA to take on Widener University. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. with the men's game to follow.