FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. - The Messiah men's basketball team wrapped up their trip to Florida with a thrilling win against the New England College Pilgrims late on Wednesday night. The Falcons prevailed and won 82-77. Penley led the team in points with 14. Edwards and Fisher each added 13 points on the night.

The Falcons next game will be in the new year on January 4, when they host Hood College at 6:00 PM on Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena.

Action
The first half was tightly contested, with the Falcons holding as much as an 11 point lead in the first half. With just over ten minutes remaining, the Falcons led 25-14. The Pilgrims rallied to within three with 1:19 left but Messiah led 35-30 at the break.

The second half started out with a Messiah 5-0 run as the lead increased to ten. The Falcons continued to hold the lead while New England College hung around throughout the entirety of the half. The Pilgrims cut the lead to one at 63-64 with just over six minutes remaining but the Falcons held the edge late. As they approached the two and a half minutes mar, the Falcons held just a two point lead. At exactly the two minute mark, Messiah led 74-73. The Falcons were able to prevail in the final two minutes and won 82-77.

Stats
Tyler Penley led the Falcons with 14 points while Tim Edwards and Cole Fisher each added 13. Bryce Coletti led the Falcons in rebounds with nine. The Falcons shot 46% from the field and shot 47% from beyond the arc in the victory.

Up Next
The win evens the Falcons record to 6-6 on the season as they split the two games in Florida this week. The Falcons will host the Hood College Blazers on Wednesday, January 4 at 6:00 PM to start a full conference slate of games to kick off the new year. That game will take place on Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena.