Box Score

GRANTHAM, Pa. – Led by junior Matt Ashcroft's career best 24 points, the Lions (4-0/1-0 Commonwealth) recorded their fourth straight and first conference win of the 2009 season defeating Messiah College (4-2/0-1 Commonwealth) by the final score of 69-58 in Brubaker Auditorium.

On the night the junior was 9-for-16 from the field, 3-for-10 from behind the arc and 3-for-3 from the free throw line. He also added six rebounds and two assists to his stat line in a total of 31 minute of playing time. Next in line for the Lions offense against the Falcons was '08 all-conference selection Zac Shaeffer with 12 points and a team best three assists.

For the host Falcons, four of their starting five recorded double-figures in scoring with Jamie Yoder leading the way with 17 points. Kyle Snyder had a solid Wednesday night posting a double-double of 10 rebounds and 14 points. He also recorded four steals and two assists as well.

The first 20 minutes of Wednesday's conference match-up was a back and forth battle from start to finish. Albright and Messiah traded control of the scoreboard a total of seven times. The Lions put the first basket of the night on the scoreboard on an Ashcroft 3-point basket.

Albright's slim three point lead would be the largest either team would hold through the first 10 minutes of action. Messiah did manage to gain a four point lead over the red and white in the seventh minute on a Yoder 3-pointer.

With about two minutes left in the half, the Falcons were still in control of the scoreboard and looked to go into the locker room with the lead. However with a 3-pointer by Ashcroft and a lay-up by Shaeffer, it was Albright that entered the halftime break with control of the scoreboard and largest lead of the night (32-27).

That quick offensive spark proved to be the deciding factor for the Lions as they carried that momentum into the second half and completely controlled the host Falcons. At only one point in the final 20 minutes of play, did Messiah regain the lead, but just like the first half that lead was short lived. With Ashcroft at the helm, the Lions came storming back to retake control of the contest.

The Lions would close out the contest with an impressive showing at the free throw line going 8-for-8, while only surrendering one Falcon field goal.

Men's Basketball returns to action this Saturday when they travel to Alvernia University for a 3 p.m. Commonwealth Conference game.