GRANTHAM, Pa. – In a matchup that saw 13 lead changes, the Widener University men's basketball team fought a tight battle against the Messiah Falcons on Friday night. Down 10 late in the second half, the Pride clawed back to win 87-81. The Blue and Gold advances to 18-3 overall and 11-1 in conference play for the first time in the past 15 years.
GAME NOTES
- Connor Laverty scored 24 points on 8-of-15 shooting and dished out five assists. It is the fourth game in the past seven that he has posted 20+ points.
- Elijah Boyd added 17 points and pulled down eight boards.
- Jared Peters and AJ Sawyers chipped in with 12 a piece.
- Kenny Lewis led the Pride with nine rebounds to go along with six points.
- The Blue and Gold has now recorded 16 games this season where four or more players scored 10+ points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams spent the opening minutes exchanging baskets. Up 13-11 at the 15:50 mark, the Pride hit three straight shots from deep to spur a 13-4 scoring surge and take a double-digit lead midway through the first. However, a late push by the Falcons allowed them to cut away at their deficit and grab a one-point lead entering halftime with the score locked at 43-42.
Messiah opened the second act hot as it extended its lead many as 10, but a late 12-0 run from the Blue and Gold tightened things back up and gave it a slight 73-71 advantage with 7:37 to play. The final seven minutes saw eight lead changes as both teams battled to stay in front. A huge three-pointer from
Steven Matlack put Widener back up one with a minute to play. An ensuing Falcons miss and three made free throws from Laverty iced the game for the Pride as it rolled to its 11th conference win.
UP NEXT
With four games remaining in MAC Commonwealth play, the Pride returns home to take on Albright Wednesday night. Tip-off from the Schwartz Center is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
