Full Game Notes

LiveStats
Live Audio

After accumulating five conference losses, each by eight or fewer points, the Albright College men's basketball program refuses to give up on their postseason aspirations. After a crushing home loss to Lebanon Valley last week the Lions needed a late three-pointer on the road to fend off Arcadia University and come home with a double-overtime victory. The hard-fought battle embodied the desire and drive that has kept the team in every game this season, but with little time to celebrate Albright will host conference leading Messiah College in another must-win contest.  

Messiah presents a touch match-up for the Lions. The Falcons possess the stingiest defense in the conference, boasting three players with over 20 steals, and three more numbering in the teens. Strong defense and cold shooting by the opposition have been key for Messiah as they look to stay hot and win their ninth straight game.

Commonwealth Conference Picture

Albright continues to stay in the mix with the win against Arcadia, although it didn't come easy. Saturday afternoon's match-up launches the second half of conference play and with four of seven games played at home the Lion's can claim a slight home court advantage.

With eight points as the largest deficit in any of the Lions' conference losses they have proved capable of playing with every team thus far. Seven games remain on the regular season schedule and now Albright's greatest task is to put it all together and win their way into the postseason.

Albright College (11-7 Overall, 2-5 Commonwealth Conference)

A strong showing against LVC from redshirt sophomore Pedro Perez carried over to the game against Arcadia. Perez was responsible for 12-points, including the game-winning three-pointer and a team-high four assists.

It took an impactful improvement in shooting for the Lions to erase a nine point deficit at halftime, but a combined 26 points from Derek Hall, Shane Irwin and Dave Singleton got the job done. Hall earned a double-double, but more importantly kept his team in the game. Held to just four points and four rebounds in the first half the senior center came out of the locker room playing inspired for the second period of play, totaling 12 points and ten rebounds; his seven defensive rebounds helped limit second chance shots by the Knights.

As the Lions look to improve their conference record Singleton, a junior transfer, will likely be a large factor in the team's success. Against Arcadia Singleton proved his ability to play both offense and defense at a high level by scoring 18 points and nabbing a team-high four steals.

Messiah College (12-5 Overall, 6-1 Commonwealth Conference)

Ranking fourth on offense in scoring and first on defense, it's no secret how the Falcons are winning in the conference. Highlighting how great defense can win games, Messiah is giving up an average of just 61 points per game.

Early in the season junior forward Derek Mosley seemed to be putting the team on his “wings” as the top scorer or rebounder in six of the Falcons' first seven games, but since then he has received plenty of assistance from his supporting cast. Guard David Fernandez has stepped into the limelight as the team's most consistent shooter from the floor. The young sophomore now leads the team in field goal percentage (61%) and blocked shots with 15; eight more blocks than any other player. The duo leads the team in scoring with almost 500 points combined.

Fernandez and Mosley are joined by sophomore guard Christyan DeVan and can cause a lot of trouble for their opponents. Devan, Mosley, and Fernandez collectively average more than four steals per game.

The Lions will need to be weary of recent standout senior Jeremiah Runkle. The Falcon forward has started just six games and played in nine this year, but has shot over 52 percent from the field and averages eight rebounds per game, making him a dangerous threat off the bench.

Coaches vs. Cancer

This weekend not only marks the second half of Commonwealth Conference play, but also a nationwide effort to inspire, educate, and raise money for the fight against cancer. The National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society have joined together in a partnership to develop Coaches vs. Cancer.

As part of this effort, Suits and Sneakers weekend was developed as a national event running from Friday, January 27 through Sunday, January 29. Suits and Sneakers weekend is an annual event where college coaches “dress down” and wear sneakers with their suits to show support for the fight against cancer.

Show your support! You can “Like” the coaches vs. cancer page on Facebook, or if on Twitter use the hash tag “#suitsandsneakers” to raise awareness and help gain support through social media sites and on the internet.