Jayneisha Davis scored 26 points to lead four players in double figures Friday night when host Messiah College spoiled the Keystone College debut in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III national tournament with a 72-47 women’s basketball rout in the first round.
Messiah, ranked 19th in the country, defeated Eastern Connecticut State, 60-50, Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16 against Smith College. The Falcons are 15-0 at home this season and on a 16-game overall winning streak.
Keystone made the game close for a half before being outscored, 26-3, in the third quarter.
The Giants outscored the Falcons 22-16 in the second quarter to get within 39-35 at halftime.
Bella Lamonea led the Colonial States Athletic Conference champion Giants with 19 points and seven rebounds.
Keystone finished with 21 wins, tied for second-most in the program’s history.