READING, PA. – A strong first half from Alvernia propelled the Golden Wolves to a win over the Messiah men's basketball team 77-69 late on Wednesday night. The Falcons had multiple chances to cut the deficit to one possession in the final minute but could not convert and ultimately fell short.
 
Tyler Penley led the Falcons in points with 18 while Arkese Claiborne added 15. Claiborne also led the Falcons in rebounds with 11.
 
Messiah will host the Eastern Eagles on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6:00 PM for a critical conference tilt as the season winds down.
 
Action
The Falcons got off to an early lead in the first five minutes but it was Alvernia from then on leading by as much as 16 at one point. The Golden Wolves took a 38-25 lead into the break.
 
Messiah brought the game to within 11 before the Golden Wolves took advantage again and knocked down a pair of threes to take a 50-31 lead to force a timeout. The Falcons continued to chip away and got the deficit to single digits to within nine with six minutes remaining. With over two and half remaining, the Falcons trailed by eight.
 
There were certainly chances in the final minutes for Messiah. After a quick turnover and bucket, the Falcon trailed by six and had two three-point chances to get the score to within a one possession game but couldn't convert either of them as Alvernia went to the line. Two missed free throws set up the Falcons for another three-point chance that wasn't converted as they sent Alvernia back to the line.
 
After free throws and a floater from Coletti, the Falcons trailed 75-69 with 10 seconds to go. An offensive foul on an inbounds pass gave possession back to the Falcons with those 10 seconds remaining. However, a turnover on the pass put the game out of reach as the Falcons fell to Alvernia 77-69.
 
In the Box
The Falcons had a much stronger second half, shooting 45% from the floor as opposed to 27% in the first half. Messiah also could not buy a three-pointer, as they went 3-27 from beyond the arc for an 11% mark.
 
From the free throw line, the Golden Wolves doubled the amount of attempts, yet missed one additional shot than the Falcons. Messiah went 8-15 from the stripe while Alvernia converted 22-30 free throws.
 
Up Next
The loss takes the Falcons record to 9-13 and 4-9 in the conference. The Falcons are back on the courts this weekend when they take on Eastern on Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena. That game will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6:00 PM in Grantham, Pa.