GRANTHAM, Pa. –  The Arcadia University men's basketball team dropped a MAC Commonwealth contest at Messiah Monday night, 77-70. The Scarlet and Grey were led by junior Josh Scott with 17 points, he was one of three Knights in double figures.
 
FOR THE RECORD:

• Arcadia sits at 3-5 on the year, and 0-2 in conference competition.
• The Falcons moved to 5-3 overall with a 1-1 MAC Commonwealth record.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Knights got off to a fast start converting four of their first five field goal attempts for a 10-4 lead just under three minutes in.
• After the Falcons took a 24-19 lead with 6:39 to go in the opening frame, senior Brandon Thompson deposited his second three of the night to spark a 10-5 spurt that lasted five minutes.
• Each team was perfect over the final 2:22 of the first half, as the Knights went 3-3 from the floor all from behind the arc, while Messiah went 4-4 from the field including 2-2 from long distance. Arcadia took a 38-37 lead to the half following a three from junior Jordan Sanders with two seconds left on the clock.
• The opening five minutes of the second half were even, until Thompson dropped his third three of the nights to start a 9-3 run that opened a 53-48 lead with 11:46 left in regulation.
• Messiah retaliated with the next 17 points over a 5:20 span to jump in front 65-53.
• Arcadia closed the game out on a 17-12 run.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Joining Scott in double figures was Thompson (13) and junior Evan Slone (12).
• Sophomore Will Derr neared a double-double with nine points and a team-leading nine rebounds.
• As a team, Arcadia shot 47.3% (26-55) from the floor, including 8-19 (42.1%) from beyond the arc.  The Knights went 10-13 at the free throw line.
• Messiah went 26-56 from the floor, including 11-27 from distance, while converting 14 of 21 free throw attempts. The Falcons were led by Neil Murren with 24 points.

NOTES:

• Thompson has dropped double-digit points in six of eight games this season. Scott has reached double-figure scoring in five games.

UP NEXT:

• Arcadia returns to the friendly confines of Alumni Gymnasium Saturday afternoon when it hosts conference rival Stevenson. Opening tip is set for 3 p.m.