YORK, PA, - On Saturday evening, the Messiah men's basketball team suffered a 78-57 loss following an eight-minute Spartan run in the second half. The Falcons were able to keep it close within the first half, getting contributions from Lyles, McBride, Fisher, and Wert. However, a cold drought from the Falcons in the second half put them in a deficit too large to overcome.
 
Up Next: The Falcons will take on Widener University at home on Wednesday, Jan. 22nd.
 
How It Happened
First Half
Johnny McBride got things rolling with a quick four points on back-to-back layups, but the Spartans responded with two straight threes to grab an early 6-4 lead. Ben Wert would get involved with a five-point run of his own to regain a Falcon lead, however, a Spartans 8-0 run gave York the 14-9 lead with 13 minutes remaining. Messiahs' offense stayed consistent over a five-minute stretch, using a 11-4 run to recapture a 20-18 advantage. The Spartans, however, did not waiver in their attack. A 10-2 run allowed York to hold a 28-22 lead with four minutes left in the half. Caleb Lyles and Wert knocked down a couple of baskets in a 50 second span to come within one. Down 28-27, following two free throws from York, Lyles would finish the half going 2-2 at the line to make the score 30-29 at the break.
 
Second Half
Cole Fisher and McBride were able to knock down tough baskets to tie it up at 33-33 early. However, a quick six points for the Spartans gave them a six-point cushion. Messiah was able to respond with a 7-0 run of their own to take their first lead of the half up 40-39. However, following the run is when things would turn sideways for the Falcons. The Spartans would rally up a 27-2 run over an eight-minute stretch to take a commanding 66-42 lead. McBride would break up the run with a layup, but York would quickly respond with a quick five points. The Falcons would go on a 10-2 run over a three-minute stretch, but with 3:43 remaining, the damage was too much too much to overcome, suffering an 78-57 loss.
 
Stats
Caleb Lyles led the team with 19 points, adding seven rebounds. Ben Wert (13) and Johnny McBride (10) were each able to add double digit scores of their own. Jordan Edwards-Saliu picked up a team high eight rebounds, and Christian Jackson finished with three assists tied for the team high.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons will take on Widener University at home on Wednesday, Jan. 22nd at 7:00p.m.