OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Falcons struggled late in the second-half after suffering a 10-0 run from the Mustangs that would prove to be too much to recover from. Stevenson utilized heavy offensive pressure, including a triple-double from Montaque Wright, who recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. 
 
Colin Sareyka led all Falcons with 16 points while Josh Darville and EJ Porter each collected 13 points of their own. 
 
The Falcons are now 7-8 on the season and 3-3 in the conference and will continue conference play against Arcadia on Jan. 12 at 4:00 p.m. on Jordan Court. 

Early Run
It was the Mustangs who started the scoring with a free throw, but the Falcons utilized points from Josh Darville, Nate Eberle, and Colin Sareyka to complete a 6-0 run with 16:53 to play in the first half.
 
The two teams continued to trade blows with Messiah holding onto their lead until just over the 10-minute mark. In that span of time, EJ Porter and Sam Whittle each knocked down a three-pointer, highlighting the opening 10 minutes of the first half for the Falcons. The Mustangs stayed close, however, holding the Falcons to within four points before taking their second lead of the game after going on an 8-0 run, setting the score at 22-18 in favor of Stevenson. Coming out of a timeout, EJ Porter stopped the 8-0 run with a shot from behind the arc to make it 22-21 in favor of Stevenson.
 
With under nine minutes to play, both teams continued to go back and forth with Stevenson leading by as much as six points in those closing minutes of the half. With 3:13 to play in the first half, Sareyka knocked down a three-pointer to cut the Mustangs' lead in half before EJ Porter earned a quick jump shot followed by a three-pointer to give Messiah a two-point lead with 49 seconds left in the half. Stevenson answered back with a layup 28 seconds later that would set the score at 39-39 going into halftime.  
 
Fast Start 
Out of the break, Colin Sareyka earned the first two points of the second half, giving Messiah a two-point lead. Stevenson would answer immediately to tie the game 41-41 but Sareyka went on a 4-0 run to set the score at 45-41 with 17:55 to play in the half. 
 
Back and Forth
The Mustangs answered with a 4-0 run of their own but Josh Darville dropped two points to give the Falcons the leads once again. Stevenson fought back with another 4-0 run to make it 49-47 but two free throws from Darville would tie things up for a fifth time in the second half. 
 
Mustangs Pull Away
Over the span of three minutes, Stevenson charged forward, going on a 10-0 run, taking a 59-49 lead with 12:49 to play. Cam Carter halted the Mustangs' run with a three before picking up a steal and assist on a fast break layup by Will Young IV to give Messiah a quick 5-0 run. Stevenson continued their charge, going on a 9-0 run over the next four minutes in the half. 
 
Colin Sareyka collected the next three points for the Falcons with a made free throw followed by a layup with 6:09 to play in the second half. The Mustangs responded with a free throw of their own to take a 69-57 lead. Both teams went back and forth, knocking down free throws before Josh Darville came through with a layup to put the Falcons within eight points with 3:52 in the second half. Stevenson answered back to regain a 10-point lead but Zach McDonough made a layup that would pull the Falcons within eight once more. In the closing two minutes the Mustangs would add on a few more points to earn the 80-66 lead to end the game.
 
What's Up Next
As mentioned, the Falcons will return to Jordan Court on Jan. 12 at 4:00 p.m. as they continue MAC Commonwealth play against Arcadia University.