READING, Pa. – The Albright men's basketball team (8-4, 1-0 MAC Commonwealth) opened up Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth play this evening in exciting fashion playing host to the Messiah Falcons (4-8, 0-1 MAC Commonwealth). Albright trailed by as many as nine points in the second half but roared all the way back to win the game 66-65 over Messiah.

Tonight's game marked the opening MAC Commonwealth game for both teams. Albright was tabbed to finish sixth in the MAC Commonwealth preseason poll while Messiah was selected to finish eighth.  

Chris Kouemi made the play of the night to secure the Lions victory. On the final possession of the game and for Messiah, Kouemi answered the bell and blocked Messiah's game winning shot attempt as time expired. Kouemi finished with a team high 13 points, five rebounds and one game winning block.

Albright led by three at halftime 29-26 courtesy of a Kouemi three pointer. Robert Mangum scored eight first half points while Hasson Massenburg had seven first half points to go along with nine rebounds.

Albright found themselves behind 63-55 with 5:31 left on the game clock. The defense was strong all night for Albright especially down the stretch for the Lions. Albright closed the game on a 11-2 run to seal the victory.

The Lions held Messiah to 41.9% shooting from the floor and 14.3% from three on the night.

Eric Chamberlain, Qadir Mitchell, Kouemi, and Mangum all hit big time shots over the last five minutes of the game to assure the Lions a home MAC Commonwealth victory.
Kouemi led the way with 13 points and was followed by Mangum and Massenburg with 12 and Mitchell chipping in with 11.

Massenburg collected his first double-double as an Albright Lion collecting 13 rebounds (five offensive) to go along with his 12 points.

Mangum had an all-around complete game for Albright finishing with seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. The six assists gives Mangum a new career high for the fifth year forward.

Albright did a great job of getting to the free throw line tonight. The Lions shot 22 total free throws compared to only 15 attempts for Messiah.

Mangum and Mitchell each made two three's while Isaac LaPiere and Kouemi each made one three.
 
Up Next:
Albright will return to action on Saturday, January 6 against cross-town rival Alvernia. The game against the Golden Wolves will begin at 3 p.m. on the campus of Alvernia.