GRANTHAM, Pa. – No. 16 Messiah College women's basketball defeated the Pride of Widener 67-51 on Thursday evening. The Falcons had dominant second and third quarter performances to pull away from the Pride. With this victory, Messiah remained undefeated at home and moved to 12-1 in the MAC Commonwealth and 20-2 overall.

Four Falcons scored double-figures to lead Messiah's offense. Maci Thornton collected 14 points, Kaitlyn Hoff had 12 and five assists. Forwards Alecia Rohrer and Leah Springer each collected double-doubles for Messiah. Rohrer had 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Springer had 11 points and 11 boards. Springer also collected five assists and four blocks.

Overall, Messiah shot 24-of-62 (38.7%) from the field, 6-of-17 (35.3%) from deep, and 13-of-16 (81.3%) from the free-throw line. Widener shot 20-of-66 (30.3%) from the field, 3-of-13 (23.1%) from three-point range and 8-of-15 (53.3%) from the stripe.

Slow Offensive Start
The Falcons had a slow start to the game and it took them a quarter to get warmed up on offense. Messiah shot 3-of-13 (23.1%) from the field in the opening quarter. Widener started on an early 8-to-3 run over the Falcons, but a layup from Alecia Roher cut into their lead. The Pride responded with a three-pointer to gain a six-point advantage. Messiah began to generate some momentum after Leah Springer knocked in a pair of free-throws and Maci Thornton hit a three to bring Widener's lead down to one. Messiah only trailed 13-11 heading into the second quarter of play.

That's More Like It
Messiah dominated the second quarter and outscored the Pride 20-to-13. Maci Thornton opened the quarter with a three-pointer to give the Falcons their first lead of the evening, however Widener responded to regain the lead. Messiah then went on an 8-to-2 run to pull ahead 23-17, but Widener hung around and came within one-point of the lead when Devan Rimmer hit a three (25-24). The Falcons closed out the half on a 6-to-2 run and headed into the break with a 31-26 lead.

Messiah shot 42.1% (8-of-19) from the field in the second quarter, a much improved percentage from the first ten minutes of play. Leah Springer led the Falcons in first-half scoring with eight points.

Run, Falcons, Run
Messiah had an impressive third quarter, they shot 6-of-15 (40%) from the field and 80% from the free-throw line. The Falcons out-scored the Pride 21-to-9 and it was the only quarter they held Widener to under ten points.

Widener started the quarter with a quick bucket but then Messiah took off on a 6-to-0 run. Allison Gallagher silenced the Falcons' run with a lay-up, but that triggered Messiah to go on a 7-to-0 run. Leah Springer started that run by knocking down another pair of free-throws and Kristen Smoluk and Hannah Brown also contributed with fast break lay-ups. Messiah closed out on a 9-to-5 run to hold a 52-35 lead going into the final quarter of play.

Undefeated At Home
Widener and Messiah opened the last quarter exchanging buckets back-and-forth. However, midway in the quarter the Falcons went on a 6-to-0 run to gain a 21-point advantage. Maci Thornton started the run off for Messiah and then Kaitlyn Hoff completed the run with back-to-back jumpers. Although Widener outscored the Falcons 16-15 in the final quarter, Messiah was still able to defend their home court and remain undefeated in Hitchcock Arena. They have won 10 of their 20 wins on their home turf.

Up Next
Messiah has a big match up on Saturday, Feb 10 when they host Albright College. The last time the two squads met, the Lions defeated the Falcons 63-54. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. and the men's game will follow.