GRANTHAM, PA. – On Wednesday evening, the Messiah men's basketball team dropped the conference home contest to Alvernia University 84-62. The Falcons had a strong outing in the first half led by
Christian Jackson and
Caleb Lyles, but Alvernia managed to get to the line late to grab a 31-27 lead at half. Messiah performed well through the first five minutes of half number two, but the Golden Wolves were efficient offensively knocking down seven three pointers. The Falcons would fall short despite the valiant efforts, falling 84-62 to the Golden Wolves.
Up Next
The Falcons will take on Albright College on the road Saturday, Feb 8
th.
How It Happened
First Half
Christian Jackson got off to a blistering start for the Falcons, Jackson would knock down three of the first four baskets as Messiah led 8-6 through the first four minutes. However, a 9-3 Golden Wolves run would give Alvernia the 15-11 advantage with 13 minutes to go. Messiahs' offense continued to find success, with
Caleb Lyles,
Ben Wert, and
Cameron Thompson all knocked down shots to regain a 21-18 lead. Over the next four minutes,
Johnny McBride took advantage of his size to get to the line and find some cutters to gain a 27-23 lead. However, the Golden Wolves did just enough to hand around and tie it up at 27-27 with just under two minutes to go. Alvernia would finish the half with a made basket and two free throws to enter the half leading 31-27.
Second Half
Both teams picked up where they left off exchanging points early and often. Lyles, Jackson, and McBride controlled the offense for Messiah narrowly leading 38-35 through the first three minutes of action. However, the Golden Wolves offense found a rhythm from beyond the arc going 3-3 to give themselves a 49-41 cushion with 12:10 to go. Lyles would stall the run with a nice hook shot, but Alvernia would score six straight to gain a 55-43 lead with under 10 to go. Messiah found success when they could offensively, but it was the defensive end that gave the Falcons problems as Alvernia matched point for point to hold a 65-51 lead with six minutes to go. Trailing by 14, Lyles and Fisher would be the loan scorers over a three-minute stretch for the Falcons as Alvernia continued to make their way to the line extending their lead to 74-55. Despite the strong efforts from Messiah towards the end, the Golden Wolves closed out the game to cap off the 84-62 victory.
Stats
Caleb Lyles finished the game with a team high 20 points and six rebounds.
Christian Jackson was not far behind with an impressive 17 point performance.
Johnny McBride picked up six points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Cameron Thompson added an additional 10 points.
What's Up Next
The Falcons will take on Albright on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 3:00p.m.