CHESTER, PA. – On Wednesday afternoon, the Messiah men's basketball team defeated Widener University 90-79, sweep the Pride in the season series. Throughout the opening minutes of the first half, both teams looked to be ready for a battle, as the teams traded baskets early with Messiah grabbing an early 13-10 lead. Messiah continued to fend off the Pride over the next eight minutes to lead 34-25 with seven minutes remaining. Widener, however, would cap off the first half outscoring Messiah 21-13, trailing only by one (47-46). The Pride picked up where they left off to end the first half, outscoring Messiah to extend their lead to 55-52. The Falcons, however, would go on a 19-6 run over a six-minute stretch to regain a 71-61 lead. Over the last eight minutes of the game, despite both teams trading blows, Messiah would finish the game on top 90-79 to cap off the season series with Widener.
Up Next
The Falcons with take on top seeded York College of Pa Saturday, Feb. 15.
How It Happened
First Half
Through the opening four minutes the Falcons were able to capitalize off hot shooting from
Caleb Lyles,
Ben Wert, and
Christian Jackson all sinking threes to hold a 11-7 lead. Over a five-minute stretch, the Falcons continued their strong shooting from beyond the arc going 2-2 as
Avery Kopcha and
Cole Fisher both knocked down threes, along with points from Lyles and Wert to lead 25-16. Jackson kept his foot on the gas leading the charge for Messiah, as the Falcons increased their lead to 41-29 with five minutes to go in the half. However, an 19-6 run to close out the first half from Widener, allowed them to cut the Falcons lead to 47-46.
Second Half
To begin the second half, the Pride picked up where they left of outscoring Messiah 9-5 through the opening six minutes to grab their first lead at 55-52. However, a Jackson led run for the Falcons allowed them to regain a 68-61 lead with eight minutes to go. Widener turned the tables once again with a 11-5 run to cut the Falcon lead at 73-72. Despite all momentum swinging in favor of the Pride, the Falcons Road the hot hand of Wert and Lyles to finish the game on a 17-7 run to close out the series against Widener with a 90-79 win.
Stats
Christian Jackson scored a career high 29 points on 11-16 shooting, to go along with five rebounds and three assists.
Ben Wert had an impressive game of his own with 18 points and five rebounds.
Cole Fisher (14) and
Caleb Lyles (12) both got in the double-digit figures for points to round out the leader board.
What's Up Next
The Falcons will host York College of Pa Saturday, Feb. 15 at 4:00p.m.