GRANTHAM, Pa. – Leading by two with just over two minutes left in regulation, Stevenson saw Messiah outscore the Mustangs 7-2 over the final two minutes as the Falcons defeated Stevenson, 76-71 in men's basketball play on Tuesday night.

Ronald Ayers had 20 points for the Mustangs (8-16, 2-11 MAC Commonwealth) with Mason Jones – back into the lineup after injury – adding in 17. Cameron Smith had 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Stevenson.

Christian Jackson and Caleb Lyles each had 16 points for Messiah (5-19, 4-9 MAC Commonwealth).

Stevenson trailed by six with five minutes to go in the first half (31-25) and was able to get to within arms length of Messiah before going down 39-34 at intermission.

After a three-pointer by Jones in the second half gave Stevenson a 43-41 lead, the Mustangs fell behind by as much as eight with 10:06 left in the game. But, Stevenson rallied once again and took a lead at 69-67 on a foul shot by Ayers with 2:03 left.

After Messiah hit a layup with 1:05 left, Lyles scored on five straight foul shots to grab the victory.

Stevenson finishes the season at home on Saturday by hosting Alvernia.