GREENSBORO, N.C. – The undefeated Messiah Falcons sent Guilford to its third straight setback Saturday afternoon by an 82-72 score in a non-conference game at the Ragan Brown Field House.

The Quakers (9-3) jumped out to a quick start as they scored nine of the game's first 11 points.  But six 3-point baskets by the Falcons keyed a 20-9 run that gave Messiah a 31-20 lead with 7:11 remaining in the first half.

Guilford closed the first half on a 9-2 run of its own, punctuated by a three-pointer by Trever Hyatt to make it 40-39 Falcons at halftime.

The visitors shot a blistering 62% on shots behind the arc in the opening 20 minutes.

After intermission Messiah (10-0) proved it could take the ball to the hole, too. The visitors opened up a 16-point lead at the 7:30 mark, holding a 69-53 advantage.

But the Quakers fought back. Thanks to solid defense and better patience on offense, Guilford whittled away at the lead. A jumper by Jake Hopkins made it 73-70 Falcons with 2:05 to play.

After an offensive foul by Messiah, Guilford had a chance to tie the game but a three by Hyatt rimmed out.

The Falcons put away the game with a 9-2 run in the final 67 seconds.

Hyatt led the Quakers with a game-high 24 points. Zeb Richardson added 16 while Hopkins finished with a double-double, as he posted 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

Taylor Groff led Messiah with 17 points, one of five scorers in double digits for the visitors. The Falcons shot 51% from the floor for the game, including 12-for-24 from behind the arc. Five different players hit three-pointers for the visitors.

Guilford finished 5-for-22 from three-point land.

The Quakers have a week off before returning to conference play with a road game at Bridgewater next Saturday at 2:00 pm.