Box Score MADISON, NJ (March 18, 2021)- FDU Men's Basketball hosted Messiah University at the Ferguson Recreation Center on Thursday night, dropping their Middle Atlantic Conference Crossover Challenge game, 66-57. With the loss, the Devils fall to 0-7 (0-6) while the Falcons improve their record to 5-6 (4-6).
First Half
The Devils came out strong, leading the game 7-2 after five minutes of play. Standout first-year Matthew Johnson hit a quick three to start the scoring. Messiah brought the game back to even at seven apiece. After back-and-forth baskets between both teams, Messiah took a six-point lead, 26-20 at the six-minute mark. Back-to-back triples from senior Cameron Saintil and sophomore Joseph Nigro, pulled FDU within two, 28-26. The Falcons hit a free throw to finish out the first half, giving them a narrow lead, 29-26.

Johnson was perfect from behind the arc in the first half, while Ortman had a team high seven points.
 
Second Half
A three from Ortman got the scoring going for FDU in the second. The Falcons responded, going on a 13-3 run, with the lone FDU three coming from sophomore Tommy Drubulis. Ortman restarted the scoring for the Devils, before Johnson scored five consecutive points. The Falcons stretched their lead back to 11, before FDU fought back with threes from Nigro, Ortman, and Saintil. The Devils came as close as six before some late fouls gave Messiah a final push. Johnson hit a late three in the final thirty seconds of the game to give the Devils hope, but the Falcons prevailed with a final score of 66-57.

Lead Devils
Ortman and Johnson led the way for FDU, Oli finishing with 16 points, 3 steals and 2 assists, while Johnson added 14 points on 4-of-5 (80%) from behind the arc.

This concludes the Devils basketball season. Thank you to everyone who followed along at fdudevils.com.