GRANTHAM, PA- The Highlanders began the second half of their season last night, taking on the Messiah College Falcons in a non-conference matchup.
 
Cairn struggled to find their rhythm in the opening period, shooting only 33% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. However, despite their offensive struggles the Highlanders locked in on defense, holding the Falcons to only 32 points and notching only one shooting foul. The teams traded buckets in the early minutes of the second half- until the Falcons mounted a 14-2 run to take a 56-42 lead with 11 minutes remaining. The Highlanders bounced back, chipping away at the lead as junior Malachi Hall began to exert his influence, making his presence felt with a steal and thunderous breakaway dunk.  A three from Hall brought the Highlanders within 6, but Messiah hit their free throws down the stretch to stay ahead and complete the 82-72 victory.
 
Hall finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds while Jeremiah Harris picked up a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Highlanders will travel to Keystone College this Saturday afternoon to pick up CSAC play against the Giants.