GETTYSBURG, PA. - The Messiah men's basketball team traveled to Gettysburg, Pa for game one of the Gettysburg tip-off tournament. The Falcons opened up their season with a 83-55 loss against the Washington & Lee Generals. Evan Parker scored 14 points for the Falcons, shooting 4-8 downtown, while Bryce Coletti added 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

The Falcons will be back in action tomorrow for game two of the Gettysburg tip-off tournament. Messiah will face the loser of the Gettysburg and Muskingum game.

First Half Action
The Falcons scored the opening points of the game off a Caleb Thompson three, but the Generals controlled the remainder of the half. Messiah cut the lead to 20-10 after Cole Fisher sank two free throws. However, the Generals proceeded to go on a 22-3 run extending their lead to 42-13. The Falcons would end the half on a 11-9 run. Evan Parker led the Falcons in the opening half with 11 points and right behind him was Caleb Thompson with six. Going into the half Messiah trailed the Generals 51-24. 

After the Break
To open up the second half the Falcons outscored the Generals 15-13, but were unable to bring the lead under 20 points. The Generals continued to score points from all three levels of the court, making it difficult for Messiah to grab a rhythm. As a team the Falcons shot 9-33 in the second half, posting a 6-16 mark from beyond the arc. As mentioned, Parker led the Falcons with 14 points on the night, while Bryce Coletti added 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

What's Up Next
The Falcons will await their opponent from game two of the Gettysburg tip-off tournament. The Falcons will square off with the loser of Gettysburg and Muskingum on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.