GRANTHAM, Pa. – The Widener University men's basketball team jumped back into the win column on Monday night, defeating Messiah College 76-64. With the victory, the Pride keeps sole possession of the fourth seed in the MAC Commonwealth standings.

How it happened:
After trailing 36-22 with seven minutes remaining in the first half, Widener went on a 15-0 run the rest of the way, taking a one-point advantage into the break. Two three-pointers by Connor Laverty sparked the offensive surge. Ryan McMahon finished the half with 10 points and five assists.

The back-and-forth action continued into the second half. The teams were knotted at 50 at the 12:36 mark until an 18-9 run by the Pride created a comfortable margin with less than four minutes left in regulation. Kenny Lewis was fouled on a made layup, and hit the free throw, initiating the shift in momentum. Widener never looked back, maintaining its lead until the final buzzer. Free throws by Elijah Boyd cemented the final score of 76-64.

By the numbers:

• The Pride shot 56.6 percent from the field, its second best shooting performance of the season behind the team's win over Albright (12/05/18)
• Ryan McMahon matched his season-high in points with 20. The senior also contributed seven assists and four rebounds.
• Connor Laverty put up 16 points and five boards
• Jared Peters had 12 points on 71 percent shooting and tied a career-high in rebounds, grabbing seven
• Elijah Boyd finished with 15 points
• Kenny Lewis notched nine points and eight rebounds
• The WU bench outscored Messiah's reserves 14-6

Up next:
Widener stays on the road, traveling to Albright on Wednesday, January 23. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.