YORK, PA – The Messiah University Falcons got a three-pointer from Tyler Penley with nine seconds left to edge the York Spartans 59-56 in a MAC Commonwealth contest in York on Saturday.
The Spartans had tied the game with 40 seconds left before Penley hit the three pointer with one second left on the shot clock.
The loss is York's sixth straight, their longest streak since February of 2016.
 
Score: York 56, Messiah 59
Records: York 6-10 (2-9 MAC Commonwealth); Messiah 6-10 (5-6 MAC Commonwealth)
 
How It Happened
• The Falcons jumped out to a 9-2 lead four minutes into the game. The Spartans went on a 7-0 spurt to tie the game at nine. This would be the trend the remainder of the half as Messiah would build their lead only to have the Spartans reel them back in. Messiah pushed out to a 20-14 lead but York came back to tie the game at 22.
• The game would be tied again at 25 before York went up 28-27 on a Colin Rimel three pointer. Travis Stoll split a pair of free throws with 1:06 left to put York up two. The Falcons got a Caleb Light three from the corner with the clock running out as Messiah took a 30-29 lead to the break.
• The Falcons got off to a quick start out of the break with a pair of three point play opportunities to take a 35-29 lead just 45 seconds into the half. The Falcons slowly built their lead to a game-high 12 at 47-35. The Spartans cut the Falcon lead to seven on a Chris Miers steal and dunk with 9:18 left in the game. Messiah got an Arkese Claiborne lay up with 8:56 left in the half as they led 53-44. York then clamped down on the Falcons as Messiah would not score again for 6:56 as the Spartans scored ten straight points to take a 54-53 lead.
• Messiah got a Bryce Coletti three pointer at the two minute mark to snap their scoreless streak and take a 56-54 lead. After the two squads swapped stops, Travis Stoll hit a jumper with 40 seconds left. He was fouled but missed the free throw as the game was tied with 40 seconds left. The Spartans had a great defensive series as the clock was clicking down. Coletti fired a pass out to Tyler Penley who hit the three from the right wing with 9.1 seconds left, giving the Falcons the three point lead. The Spartans raced down the court attempting to tie the game but their three pointer was off the mark and the Falcons escaped with the road win.
 
Spartan Leaders
David Giuliani: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 1 blocked shot
Chris Miers: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocked shots, 2 steals
Jackson Mascari: 5 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 blocked shot
 
Spartan Stats
The Spartans shot a season-low 31.1% from the floor … the Spartans went just 5-for-29 from three (17.2%) while Messiah was 5-for-12 (41.7%) … the Spartans are just 10-for-57 from three in their last two games … the Spartans were very good from the free throw line again as they went 13-for-16 (81.3%) … York has hit at least 80% from the line in five games this year … York had just seven assists on 19 field goals in the game … the Spartans blocked a season-high eight shots.
 
Spartan Notes
The Spartans are now 11-10 all-time against the Falcons as York's two-game win streak in the series was snapped … senior David Giuliani recorded his fifth double-double of the year and second against the Falcons … Giuliani was a perfect 5-for-5 from the stripe as he has made 20-of-24 (83.3%) from the line in his last five games … sophomore Chris Miers reached double figures for the eighth time this year … York's last two losses have come by a combined seven points.
 
NABC Suits and Sneakers
The Spartan coaching staff participated in the NABC Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers program in the game. The event runs from January 24-30 and is the signature in-season initiative of the American Cancer Society and the NABC's Coaches vs. Cancer Program. The nationwide campaign unites coaches across the country to raise funds and awareness about the fight against cancer and promote the American Cancer Society as a source of inspiration and hope for those fighting cancer.
During Suits and Sneakers Week, coaches from all levels of the sport will wear specially designed Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers apparel along with their favorite sneakers on the sidelines to raise awareness about the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer. 
The Spartans have had a long running relationship with the Coaches vs. Cancer program dating back to long-time Spartan head coach Jeff Gamber.
"We are very proud to partner with the American Cancer Society as a part of the NABC Coaches vs. Cancer program," said Spartan head coach Matt Hunter. "Cancer has touched so many of our lives, it's important that we do our part in the fight against cancer. York College men's basketball has a long tradition being very active in the Coaches vs. Cancer program."
To donate to Coaches vs. Cancer, please click HERE
 
Up Next
The Spartans head back out on the road on Wednesday as they head to Owings Mills, Maryland to face Stevenson University to face the Mustangs. Tip time is scheduled for 8:00 pm as the back end of the MAC Commonwealth doubleheader.