GRANTHAM, Pa. – For the seventh-straight season, the Messiah women's basketball team is the MAC Commonwealth Champions. The Falcons defeated the Alvernia Golden Wolves 60-37 in front of a crowded Hitchcock Arena. Megan Zimmerman led the Falcons with 14 points and eight rebounds and was named the MAC Commonwealth Tournament Most Valuable Player for her efforts.
 
The Falcons and Golden Wolves were tied at 11-11 with 3:34 remaining in the opening quarter, however a massive 20-2 run over the next 11:14 put the Falcons in front by a commanding 31-13 margin with just over two minutes remaining before the half.
 
Messiah held a 31-15 lead as the teams headed into the locker room and after the break, Messiah cruised home for the 60-37 victory and their 15th Conference Championship in program history.
 
With the victory, Messiah clinches the Automatic Qualifier into the NCAA Tournament that begins next weekend at a site and time to be determined. The NCAA Selection Show is set to take place on Monday afternoon. Fans are encouraged to follow GoMessiah.com for the most up-to-date information regarding the Falcons' NCAA Tournament run.
 
Action from Jordan Court
Messiah and Alvernia were evenly matched throughout the first quarter of play, with each team trading buckets as the game was tied at 11 just over five minutes into the championship. The Falcons closed out on a 5-0 run to take a 16-11 lead into the second.

Not stopping after that 5-0 in the first, the Falcons went on an additional 8-0 run capitalizing on every opportunity and playing team basketball throughout the entirety of the quarter. Incredible defensive efforts as well as sustained success on the offensive end, opened up a 31-15 at the break. Messiah outscored Alvernia 15-4 in the second quarter alone, contributing to their 20-4 run dating back to the end of the first quarter. 

The Falcons continued to build on their lead after halftime, outscoring the Golden Wolves 14-8 in the third and again by one point in the fourth. Messiah held on to win handily 60-37 and claimed their seventh straight MAC Championship.

On the Stat Sheet
Megan Zimmerman lead the squad with 14 points and added eight boards and was awarded MAC Commonwealth Tournament MVP. Her consistent efforts down low as well as her mid range shooting helped push the Falcons to their seventh straight MAC Title.

Reese Harden put up 13 points in the contest while Chloe Milanesi found the bottom of the nylon four times from beyond the arc, going 4-6 from three for her 12 points. Morgan Adams recorded yet another double-double, going 10-10 with points and rebounds.

Messiah shot an impressive 47% from the floor and went 5-10 (50%) from beyond the arc, thanks to Chloe Milanesi who rattled off four of them.

What's up Next
The win gives the Falcons an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and will find out where they are headed for NCAA Tournament play on Monday, February 27 on the NCAA selection show. Stay tuned on GoMessiah.com for all the latest updates for the Falcons.