GRANTHAM, Pa. - The Messiah men's basketball team held their home opener of the 2023 season Friday night. The Falcons took on the Panthers of SUNY Old Westbury for game two of the Messiah Tip-Off tournament. In front of their home crowd the Falcons got the job done, winning 87-43. Cole Fisher led the Falcons with 14 on the night, with six rebounds, while Caleb Lyles, and Evan Parker both finished with a team high four assists. 

Messiah will take on Oberlin College in day two of the Messiah Tip-Off tournament tomorrow at 3:00p.m.

Build a First-Half Lead
The Falcons got off to a hot start from beyond the arc with Evan Parker sinking two early threes, following a couple baskets from Caleb Lyles, and Bryce Coletti to open up a 13-5 lead. Parker continued his hot shooting, sinking two more three's to extend the Falcon lead to 19-8. Messiah continued to score at will, getting contributions from Lyles, Dylan Cuperus, Johnny Mcbride, and Coletti to bring the score to 35-12. For the final six minutes of the half the Falcons would hold the Panthers to just one point, only allowing  them to shoot 5-33 from the field, The Falcons entered the half leading 40-13.

Second Half Action
The Falcons did not slow down as they opened up the second half on a 10-4 run, extending the lead to 50-17. Cuperus, Coletti, Lyles would be the lone scorers for the Falcons over the next three minutes making the score 56-21. From that point on it would be all Messiah, as the Falcons had four different scorers in double digits. Cole Fisher would lead the Falcons with 14 points, while Coletti had 13, Parker had 12, and Lyles ended with 11. Messiah held the Panthers to 25% from the field, while the Falcons shot an outstanding 40% from the field, and 40% from three on the night. The Falcons take game one 87-43, improving to 1-2 on the young season.

What's up Next
The Falcons will be back in action tomorrow for day two of the Messiah Tip-Off tournament. Where they will take on Oberlin College at 3:00p.m.