GRANTHAM, PA. – On Wednesday evening, the Messiah men's basketball team took down the Widener Pride in an offensive clinic. The Falcons were able to take advantage of strong offensive play from Cole Fisher, Jordan Edwards-Saliu, and team shooting throughout the first half, holding a lead for over 18 minutes. However, a late Pride run cut the Falcon lead to 42-25 entering the break. To begin the second half, the Falcons came out scoring 12 of the first 16 points. Following a Widener run, consistent offense from Cole Fisher and Johnny McBride led the way to Messiah holding off the Pride for the 87-76 win at home.
 
Up Next: The Falcons will take on Eastern University Saturday, Jan. 25th.
 
How It Happened
First Half
It was a strong first half for the Falcons offensively. Cole Fisher, Caleb Lyles, and Johnny McBride were able to capitalize off good offensive sets through the opening four minutes to grab an early 11-2 lead. Over the next five minutes of play, the Pride began to knock down shots, including two big and-one plays to cut the Falcon lead to 19-15. Fisher, McBride, and Christian Jackson continued to keep the Pride at bay, despite their offensive bursts, Messiah still led 27-23 with six minutes to go. Following a Ben Wert three, Jordan Edwards-Saliu, and Avery Kopcha would knock down a couple of baskets of their own to extend the Falcon lead to 40-28. However, a 7-2 run to close the half allowed the Pride to make it a single digit deficit, only trailing 42-35 at the half.
 
Second Half
The Falcons were able to pick up where they left off, scoring 12 of the first 16 points out of the break to increase the lead to 54-39. Following a Widener basket, the Falcons would score the next 12 points, getting contributions from Lyles, Luke Hostetler, Ben Wert, and Fisher in the process. Just as the Falcons extended their lead to 68-41 with 11 minutes to go, the Pride began to get hot offensively. Widener would go on an 15-4 run to cut the Falcons deficit to 72-56 with seven minutes remaining. However, behind a calm presence from Fisher and McBride, the Falcons were able to stop the bleeding and put the game out of arms reach. Up 81-65 with 3:34 on the clock, the Falcons late free throws allowed Messiah to pick up the win 87-76.
 
Stats
Johnny McBride and Cole Fisher each tallied team highs with 18 points respectively. Caleb Lyles added an additional 15 points with five rebounds, and Christian Jackson tallied 11 points, five assists, and four steals.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons will take on Eastern University at home on Saturday, Jan. 25^th at 4:00p.m.