Immaculata University men's basketball team fell to Messiah College 66-61, in the opening round of the Marymount University Comcast Challenge on Friday, January 4.  The challenge is being held on the campus of Marymount University from Friday, January 4-Saturday, January 5 in Arlington, Virginia.

Junior Kyle Finklea led all scorers with 23 points, while senior Rob Jones netted 14 points on 5-7 from the field.  Sophomore Jayson Hyman recorded 10 points and eight rebounds, while Jones added seven rebounds.

Tied 16-16 with 7:43 remaining in the first half, the Mighty Macs went on a 17-5 run, which overlapped into the second half, to take a 33-21 lead with 18:38 left.  However, the Falcons responded with a 24-8 run to grab a 45-41 lead with 8:00 remaining in the final half.

Immaculata was able to retake the lead, 50-49, with 4:28 left, but Messiah held the Mighty Macs to three points over the next 3:59 to post a 62-53 with 0:29 remaining.  The Falcons held on for the 66-61 victory.

Andy Hawk and Jamie Yoder recorded 13 points apiece to pace Messiah (5-3).

Immaculata (7-3) returns to action on Saturday, January 5, when the face the loser of the Marymount/SUNY-Maritime game.  The consolation game is set for 2 pm.