Reading, Pa. (Jan. 30, 2016) - Messiah College (13-6, 7-3) used an explosive 34-18 first half en route to defeating Alvernia University (7-13, 2-9) by a final score of 72-38 Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth competition on Jack McCloskey Court. The contest marked Alvernia's Pink Game, where the Crusaders players wore pink headbands to raise awareness for breast cancer. 

The Crusaders matched up with the Falcons through the first period, using four points from Olivia Andrefski to guide them to an 8-8 tie to close the quarter.

The Falcons hit their stride in the second period, jumping out to a nine point lead across four minutes. Buckets by Chelsea Ebersole and Stevie Fortna shortened the Messiah lead to 20-15, but the Falcons found their rhythm from behind the arc, putting away four 3s as they extended their margin to 16 to close the half. 

Messiah continued its hot hand through the second half, shooting 42% from the field and 45% from 3-point range. 

The Crusaders were led by Ebersole and Fortna, who collected seven points a piece. Miranda Hoover was the main attacker on the boards for Alvernia, pulling down 11 rebounds on the afternoon. 

Alvernia is back in action on Wednesday, facing Hood College in conference play. The home contest is scheduled for a 6:00 tip off.