Grantham, PA – Messiah College head coach Mike Miller earned his 500th career win on Saturday night, as the Falcons defeated Albright College 53-43. Ranked No. 8 in the latest ESPN/USA Today Top 25 Poll, Messiah moves to 7-0 with the victory.
 
"I guess this means I'm old, because only old people do these things," Miller said with a laugh, commenting on the milestone. "It's very humbling. It's a credit to all the families that have, throughout the years, allowed their kids to come play for our program."
 
A former player for the Falcons' men's basketball team, Miller moves his career coaching record to 500-198—a winning percentage of .716.
 
"I'm all about Messiah, and Messiah College athletics," Miller said.
 
"It's been nice to be with this coaching staff," he continued, pointing out that assistant coaches Jodi Noble and Larry Sassaman have been with him for most of his victories. "My wife and family have also been a big support, and together we've been blessed to work with these young ladies for so many years."
 
With his 500th career win, Miller becomes the 12th coach in NCAA Division III women's basketball history to amass 500 victories.
 
Though Saturday's game with Albright ended with celebration, the Falcons and Lions battled closely for much of the night. The teams traded the lead 12 times in just the first half, with a three-pointer from Taylor Miller—daughter of Mike Miller—putting the Falcons ahead 22-20 with just over four minutes left before halftime. Messiah would stretch their lead to 29-22 at the intermission.
 
The Falcons shot just 33% from the field in the first-half, including just 3-10 from downtown and 2-7 from the free-throw line.
 
"We were ready to play but we didn't make shots, especially early.
 
"Albright is very good, and they played well," Miller continued. "To their credit, they took advantage of times when we didn't execute."
 
The second-half started with both teams trading baskets, with the Lions clawing to within 37-33 with 13:31 left to play. Sensing a need to adjust his team's defensive approach, the Falcons began to extend their defense into the full-court. The result was an 11-2 run over the next 5:12 that put Messiah on top 48-35.
 
A fast-break, three-point play by Sienna Wisse highlighted the Falcons' run, with Chelsea Danel following up her assist on that play with a transition score of her own just moments later. 
 
"Our shots weren't falling, and we wanted to pick up our pressure a bit," Miller said. "We extended into the full court, and we were able to make some positive things happen."
 
Though Albright pulled to within 48-43 with just over two minutes remaining, the Falcons managed to hold on for the 10-point win.
 
"We knew we could execute our defense to keep them from scoring," Miller said. "Our goal was to hold them to forty-four total points, and they scored forty-three."
 
The Falcons' defense certainly earned the win, as Messiah's first-half shooting woes continued into the second frame. Messiah finished just 19-60 from the field, with their 12-21 performance from the free-throw line leaving much to be desired. But the Falcons forced 30 turnovers from their Commonwealth foe, also keeping them scoreless in the final 2:17 of the game.
 
The Falcons were led in scoring by Dori Gyori's 16 points, as her seven rebounds were also a team-high. Taylor Miller finished with 13 points, with Kira Maier and Nicky Hess chipping in with eight points and seven points, respectively.
 
Albright was led in scoring by Kelecia Harris' 12 points, with Tara Sabotchick scoring 10 points. Harris led the Lions with a game-high nine rebounds.
 
The loss drops Albright to an even 4-4, including 2-2 in the Commonwealth.
 
Messiah moves to a perfect 7-0, as they stand in first place in the conference at 4-0.
 
"We're pleased with where we're at," Miller said of his team's start. "Our players have given everything they've had to this point. I love our team, and we just want to keep improving."
 
The Falcons will have a few days off due to academic finals, and will return to action on Friday, Dec. 14, when they travel to Williamsport, Pa., to take on Lycoming College.