Grantham, Pa. (Jan. 31, 2024) - Messiah University got off to a fast start and never looked back as the Falcons defeated Alvernia University 81-56 on Wednesday night in MAC Commonwealth women's basketball action at Messiah. 

Messiah, who received votes in the January 30th WBCA poll, led 14-3 early and used that momentum to carry itself through the rest of the way. Messiah held a double-digit lead for nearly 36 minutes en route to the 81-56 win.

With the loss, Alvernia dropped to 12-8 overall and 4-5 in MAC Commonwealth. Messiah improved to 17-3 overall and 9-0 in conference play.

How it Happened

• The Falcons jumped out to an early 6-0 lead, but Alvernia made it a 6-3 game through four minutes of action following a 3-pointer from Taliyah Malone.
• Later in the quarter, Messiah built its lead up to 14-3 through six minutes of action. A 3-pointer from Jordan Karmonick got Alvernia back within eight, 14-6, with 3:16 to play, but Messiah led 21-8 at the end of the quarter.
• Messiah scored the first four points of the second quarter to take a 25-8 lead. Alvernia cut it down to a 13-point deficit twice in the second quarter, but could not get any closer as Messiah took the 43-21 lead into the break.
• Messiah outscored Alvernia 21-13 in the third quarter to take a 30 point lead, 64-34, into the final ten minutes.
• Alvernia outscored the Falcons 22-17 in the final ten minutes, but it was too little too late as Messiah came away with the 81-56 win. First years Aaliyah Ferrer and Lillian Knudsen led Alvernia with a combined nine points in the fourth quarter.

Inside the Box Score

• Kayla Williams led Alvernia's scoring efforts with eight points. She also had a team-high two assists and two blocks. 
• Messiah's Morgan Adams and Rece Harden each had 16 points to lead all-scorers.

Of Note

• With the win, Messiah took the regular series sweep over Alvernia. Messiah has not dropped a regular season conference contest since February 19, 2022. 
• With the loss for Alvernia, the Golden Wolves dropped down to fifth in MAC Commonwealth standings at 4-5 in conference play. Albright sits one spot above Alvernia at #4 at 5-4 in MAC play, but Alvernia has two wins over the Lions.

Up Next

• Alvernia hosts York College at 1:00 PM on Saturday as part of a MAC Commonwealth doubleheader with the men.
• York took the first meeting of the season, 67-65, on a last-second layup by the Spartans in the conference-opener.
• York is coming off a 72-69 loss to Stevenson earlier tonight. The Mustangs edged the Spartans by three for their first conference win of the season.
• York is third overall in conference standings at 6-3.