GRANTHAM, Pa. – On Friday afternoon, the Messiah men's basketball team suffered a 59-51 loss to Maine Maritime Academy to open the season. The Falcons looked strong throughout the first half, getting strong contribution from freshman Avery Kopcha with 14 points. However, the Mariners hung around close enough to cut the half time lead to 31-23. To begin the second half, the Mariners would go on an 14-2 run over a seven-minute stretch to capture a 37-33 lead.  For the remainder of the half both teams would exchange baskets, as Ethan Johnson and Caleb Lyles kept up the scoring. However, a late 12-7 run from the Mariners propelled them to an 59-51 win to advance to tomorrows championship game.
 
First Half
The Falcons were able to capitalize off early baskets from Cole Fisher and Caleb Lyles. However, the Mariners hung around as they grabbed an early 10-7 lead. Following back-to-back threes from Ethan Johnson and Avery Kopcha as well as multiple free throws, the Falcons would be able to extend their lead to 16-10 at the 9:51 mark. Despite two free throws from the Mariners, both teams would go cold from the field over the next two minutes. Following a Freddy Herbst three to end the drought, the Mariners would score the next six points cutting the deficit to 19-18. For the remainder of the half, Messiah was able to keep Maritimes offense at bay holding them to just five more points, as the Falcons entered halftime up 31-23.
 
Second Half
The second half was not kind to the Falcons. Messiah would go on a seven-minute scoring drought as the Mariners took their first lead at 35-31 since the beginning of the game. However, an 11-5 run from the Falcons behind Johnsons threes gave them an 42-40 lead with 9:36 remaining in the game. Unfortunately, the Mariners offense stayed consistent despite points from Cole Fisher, a 10-2 run from Maine Maritime allowed them to regain a 50-44 advantage with 3:45 left on the clock. Despite keeping it competitive to finish the game, Messiah could not string points together falling in their home opener 59-51.
 
Stats
The freshman Avery Kopcha finished the with 21 points, shooting 5-7 from beyond the arc. Caleb Lyles and Ethan Johnson both finished with 11 points each. Despite going scoreless, Christian Jackson picked up a team-high 6 steals and three assists.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons will host Wilson College in the Consolation game tomorrow at 1:00p.m.