Owings Mills, Md. – The Mustangs hang on late to claim their fifth conference win, 78-69, over Messiah University Wednesday night. 
 
First Half
The Falcons Bryce Coletti opened the scoring before graduate student guard Connor Walsh turned the ball over as Messiah opened a two-score lead. Sophomore forward Nate Arrington began his impressive half as he got the Mustangs on the board with a layup beating a defender. Following a Mustangs timeout, senior guard KJ Holtonhit a deep three that gave Stevenson the lead. An Arrington steal sent Walsh in for a layup, forcing the Falcons to call a timeout of their own with the Mustangs up 15-9. Sophomore forward Cameron Smith increased Stevenson lead to 12, as the Mustangs remained disciplined with no fouls through the first 14 minutes. The lead remained steady, sending the teams to the locker room with the Mustangs up 35-22.
 
First Half Stats
Arrington – 10 pts. 7 reb. 2 blk
Smith – 8 pts. 4 reb. 1 blk.
 
Second Half
Messiah came out to hit an early three as the Mustangs fouled and turned the ball over in the opening minutes. As the Mustangs were on their heels, coach Gary Stewart called a timeout with Messiah closing within seven points. As Arrington tallied this third block, he also recorded his tenth rebound giving him his fifth double-double on the season. The teams traded threes at the 13-minute mark, keeping it a 10-point game. Five minutes later, graduate student guard McKale Williams sunk consecutive threes, giving his team a 65-47 lead. With 49 seconds left, Messiah clawed back within seven points before the Falcons had to start committing fouls. The Mustangs maintained their lead for the win.
 
Second Half Stats
Williams – 11 pts. 
Smith – 8 pts. 4 reb. 
Newell – 6 pts. 2 reb. 1 blk. 
 
With this conference victory, the Mustangs improve to 11-6 (5-3 MACC) and will travel to Alvernia University to take on the Golden Wolves on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. Messiah falls to 8-9 (3-5 MACC) and are set to host Widener on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.