Grantham, Pa. (Jan. 26, 2019) - Messiah College (8-12, 4-7) jumped out to an 11-3 lead and never looked back en route to a 77-60 win over Alvernia University (9-11, 4-7) on Saturday in MAC Commonwealth women's basketball action.

After trailing by eight points early on, Alvernia got within two after Justin Thomas came in off the bench and hit two three-point field goals and a layup to make it
15-13 with 10:47 left in the first half.

The Falcons responded and built their lead up to 11 points with five left to play in the first half.

The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the first half as Messiah took a 40-30 lead into the half.

The Golden Wolves stayed within single digits of the Falcons in the opening minutes of the second half, but Alvernia could not catch them as they went on for the 77-60 won.

Alvernia was 45% from the field in the first half, but the Golden Wolves were held to just 37% in the second quarter while Messiah pulled ahead  to take the win..

The Golden Wolves offense was led by Justin Thomas. Thomas came off the bench and scored 21 points, including a 5-8 effort from beyond the arc, and seven rebounds for Alvernia before fouling out.

Messiah's EJ Porter was a perfect 6-6 from the field and 5-5 from beyond the arc to lead the Falcons with 19 points.

Alvernia continues its MAC Commonwealth schedule against Lycoming on Wednesday.

Messiah 77 Alvernia 60