(box score)

Widener could not overcome a sluggish first half and was dealt a 62-45 Commonwealth Conference loss by 14th-ranked Messiah at Schwartz Center.

Messiah took a 33-22 halftime lead thanks in large part to Dori Gyori, who scored 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting and grabbed six rebounds in the frame.

Widener's defense held Messiah to just 38 percent shooting (12-of-32) and a mere 3-of-12 from 3-point range in the opening half.  But the home team was saddled with 16 turnovers.

Freshman Kate Dellinger (Wrightsville, PA) ended with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and senior Becky Tyler (Wynnewood, PA) had 11 points and six rebounds for the Pride (9-10, 5-3 CC).

Gyori closed with 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Falcons (17-2, 7-1) with Anna Walker contributing nine points.

Widener hits the road Wednesday to visit Albright for a 6:00 pm start.