OWINGS MILLS, Md. – No.8 Messiah College women's basketball remains undefeated in the MAC Commonwealth (6-0) after they secured a road win over the Stevenson Mustangs on Wednesday evening. The Falcons picked up a 56-47 victory over the Mustangs and Maci Thornton became the 23rd member of the Messiah women's basketball 1,000 point club. Messiah moved to 14-1 overall, while Stevenson fell to 6-9 (1-5 in the MAC Commonwealth).

The Falcons shot 39.1% (25-of-64) from the field, 83.3% (5-of-6) from the free-throw line, but were only 1-of-6 from deep range. The Mustangs were 21-of-61 (34.4%) from the field, 3-of-13 (23.1%) from three-point range, and struggled at the line shooting 2-of-5.

Alecia Rohrer led Messiah and collected her 11th double-double on the season with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Maci Thornton added 12 points and Kristen Smoluk scored 10.

Messiah Finds Their Rhythm
The Falcons and Mustangs started the first quarter off exchanging baskets back and forth and the score was tied at 8-8. However, Messiah gained some momentum and launched off on an 8-to-0 run. Maci Thornton and Kristen Smoluk initiated this run with back-to-back buckets and Haley Maraday continued the run after she knocked in both her free-throw attempts. Grace Cryan and Megan Zimmerman completed the scoring spree with a field-goal each. The Mustangs scored in the final minute to end the Falcons' run and to bring the score down to 18-10 going into the second quarter. Messiah displayed very disciplined defense in the first ten minutes of play. They picked up four steals and caused eight Mustang turnovers.

Series Of Runs
Stevenson opened the quarter with a 10 consecutive points to pull ahead 20-18. Kristen Smoluk ended the Mustangs' run with a baseline jumper to tie the game at 20-20 and this ignited Messiah on a 10-to-0 run of their own. Alecia Rohrer contributed six of those ten points to put the Falcons on-top, 28-20. However, the Mustangs stuck around and pieced together a 9-0 run past the Falcons to regain the lead (29-28) with under two minutes remaining. Becca Isaac drained a three at the top of the circle take back the lead going into halftime.

Falcons Pull Ahead
Messiah outscored Stevenson 18-5 in the third quarter of play. Thornton got things going at the start of the quarter with a layup and Alecia Rohrer continued to dominate in the post picking up eight-straight points in the middle of the quarter. With 3:56 remaining, Maci Thornton knocked down a jumper in the paint to collect her 1,000 career point which extended Messiah's lead to 11 points (43-32). The Falcons finished the quarter on a 6-to-2 run to hold a fifteen point advantage going into fourth and final quarter. Rohrer also collected ten of her 25 points in the third quarter alone.

Messiah Secures 14th Straight Win
Although the Mustangs outscored Messiah 13-7 in the final quarter of play, the Falcons were able to hold on for a 56-47 win. This was the Falcons' 14th straight win of the season and they will look to continue this streak as they return to Jordan Court this weekend.

What's Up Next
Messiah moved to 14-1 on the season with their win over the Mustangs. The Falcons will continue their conference schedule on Jan. 12 when they host Arcadia University at 2:00 p.m. Messiah will then travel to Lebanon Valley College on Jan. 16 for an 8:00 p.m. tip-off.