GRANTHAM, PA - Messiah College's Eli Cook scored 15 points, pulled down nine rebounds and blocked five shots in 26 minutes as the #14 nationally ranked Falcons handled Franklin & Marshall College 68-47 in non-conference women's basketball action.

Leading 32-25 at halftime, the Falcons (4-0, 1-0 MAC) avoided F&M's upset bid as Cook hit three-of-five field goals and two-of-two free-throws for eight points with six rebounds and four blocks in 14 second half minutes as Messiah outscored the Diplomats 36-22 down the stretch for the win.

Kristin Sassaman added 14 points and Marita Rydell tacked on 11 markers in the effort for Messiah. Overall, the Falcons held a 41-37 advantage on the boards and 12-2 advantages in both steals and assists to roll to their fourth win of the year.

For F&M, guard Maura Lentz (Sr., Baltimore, MD/Catonsville) led the way with 14 points off five-of-12 shooting from the floor, including four-of-five from beyond the arc, in 40 minutes. Point guard Dana Johns (Jr., York, PA/Prince Frederick) chipped in 10 points, while center Lauren Dodrill (Sr., Timonium, MD/Roland Park) added 15 points and 17 rebounds.

Franklin & Marshall (1-4, 1-1 Centennial Conference) will continue the season on December 4 in the Mayser Center versus York College of Pennsylvania. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.