Thousand Oaks, CA. – On Monday afternoon the Messiah men's basketball team could not find an offensive rhythm as California Lutheran University took down the Falcons 81-46. The Kingsmen were able to hold the Falcons to 5-26 shooting in the first half taking a 39-16 lead into the half. From the point on, Messiah was unable to mount a comeback despite some success from Jordan Edwards-Saliu, Johnny McBride, and Avery Kopcha.
 
Up Next
The Falcons will hosts Moravian University Saturday, Jan. 4th at 2:00p.m. 

How It Happened
First Half
The Kingsmen were able to jump out to an early lead holding the Falcons to two points, leading 12-2 through the opening five minutes. Following a quick four points from Jordan Edwards-Saliu, the Kingsmen continued to have all the answers offensively, opening a 19-6 advantage. Caleb Lyles would knock down a three, followed by a Luke Hostetler three a minute later to bring the score to 27-12 with seven minutes remaining in the half. Through the final six minutes of play, Edwards-Saliu and Hostetler would knock down the lone baskets as Messiah closed the half down 39-16.
 
Second Half
As the half began, the Kingsmen would quickly score the first seven points, extending their lead to 46-16. Johnny McBride stopped the run with back-to-back baskets bringing the score to 46-20. Following two straight baskets from the Kingsmen, Cameron Thompson and Christian Jackson answered with a small run of their own. Heading into the 10-minute mark the Falcons found themselves trailing 66-30. Despite small spirts from Cole Fisher and Avery Kopcha, the Falcons could not mustard up a run to mount a comeback. The Kingsmen would go on to win the game 81-46.
 
Stats
Avery Kopcha and Jordan Edwards-Saliu led the team with seven points each. Caleb Lyles and Johnny McBride each had six points, while Lyles added three rebounds.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons will open the 2025 part of the season at home against Moravian University Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2:00p.m.