GRANTHAM, Pa. – Erin Phelan had a double-double, but the Widener University women's basketball team was edged by the #8 Messiah Falcons 65-60 in a MAC Commonwealth battle on Monday night.
 
BY THE NUMBERS

• Phelan led the Pride with 24 points and a career-best 12 rebounds. The game was her third double-double of the season and her second against Messiah.
• Mackenzie McCracken posted her eighth game with 10 or more points this season, netting 11 in the contest.
• WU held a decisive 45-30 edge on the glass including 14-8 on the offensive end, but was hampered by 24 turnovers, leading to 31 points for the Falcons.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• A close early battle ensued as neither team led by more than four in the opening 10 minutes. After Messiah opened an 11-8 lead with just less than three minutes left in the frame, a 6-0 run for the Pride capped by a Phelan basket pushed Widener up by three before the Blue and Gold led 16-15 at the end of the first period.
• WU extended the lead to five as a pair of free throws from Jazmine Franklin made it 23-18 at the 7:03 mark. The Falcons battled back and took a 38-32 lead before Widener scored the final four points of the frame, heading into halftime.
• Messiah netted the first three points of the second half before the Pride dropped seven straight, taking a 43-41 lead midway through the quarter. Once again the Falcons responded, going up 46-43 before Widener had the final say in the frame, going into the fourth quarter with a 53-48 edge.
• Both teams had momentum moments in the final 10 minutes. Messiah erased the deficit and went up 60-56. Unfazed, the Pride tied the game at 60-60 on a layup by Phelan.
• Following a Falcons basket, Widener had a pair of opportunities to knot the score, but were unable to convert. A late basket and free throw by Messiah sealed the final tally.

 
UP NEXT
Widener has a short turnaround before traveling to Albright for a MAC Commonwealth matchup on Wednesday, January 23. Tipoff from Reading, Pa. is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.