(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – Armani Jones (Sr., Chicago, Ill. / Christ The King / Bryant & Stratton) and
Jalen Pierce (Sr., Richmond, Va. / Collegiate / Millersville) were one rebound shy of double-doubles, but it wasn't enough as Wilson fell to Messiah in its home opener on Saturday afternoon. The Phoenix led after a high-paced first half, but the Falcons had their best shooting day of the season and made 55.6% from the field to take the win.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 89, Eastern Mennonite 94
Venue: Gannett Memorial Field House
Records: Wilson 1-4, 0-0 United East; Messiah 2-4, 0-0 MAC Commonwealth
How It Happened
- It was fairly balanced throughout with neither team holding a lead of more than single digits. Both teams were even midway through the first half when the Phoenix attempted to pull away thanks to impressive play by Jones who went on a 7-0 run by himself to put Wilson up 38-31. The Phoenix maintained a seven-point lead as late as 2:51 left in the first half before Messiah rallied to cut the deficit to one. Jones added another jumper in the final minute to put Wilson up 54-51 at the half.
- After teams exchanged baskets to open the second half, the Falcons went on a 9-0 run to take a 52-56 lead. Wilson didn't give up and eventually regained the lead on a layup by Pierce who added another to make it 67-64 with 13:24 to go. The lead bounced back-and-forth a few times before Ben Wert put Messiah up with a layup at 9:28. The Phoenix stayed close and were within two points after Pierce layup made the score 90-88 with 2:20 to go, but that would be the closest they could get.
Inside The Numbers
- Jones had his best game of the season with 24 points and nine rebounds. He added two blocks and a steal to his stat line as well.
- Pierce kept his hot touch with 18 points after going 7-for-10 from the field. He added nine rebounds, all on the defensive side, and made three steals as well. This season he is shooting 74.1% from the field. He entered the weekend No. 7 nationally in field goal percentage and third amongst guards.
- Jalen Bowie (Sr., Frederick, Md. / Frederick / Shippensburg) poured in 17 after going 7-for-13. He added six rebounds and two steals.
- Winston Raford (Jr., Woodbridge, Va. / Forest Park) rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points with a pair of 3-pointers.
Up Next
Wilson will head back on the road and take on Division II Millersville Tuesday at 6 p.m.
