Air Force Academy
Denver
Men's Hoops Dispatch Pioneers, 52-44
11/18/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov 18, 2001
AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force jumped out to a 23-point halftime lead then held off the University of Denver in the second half to post a 52-44 win Sunday.
Air Force (2-1) shot 63 percent from the field in the first half, including eight of 15 from three-point range to lead 38-15 at the break.
"Now we've learned the hard part: how to build a 20-point lead," said Air Force coach Joe Scott. "Now what we've got to do is learn how to win correctly."
In the second half, the Falcons nearly blew their commanding lead. Air Force committed 12 turnovers as Denver (1-1) closed to within 47-44 with 1:50 left.
"When you're on top of a team like that you should keep attacking them, not let them back in," said Air Force forward Joel Gerlach, who finished with 15 points.
Gerlach also had eight turnovers for the Falcons, but redeemed himself down the stretch with a lay-up and two free-throws in the final two minutes to put Air Force up 51-44.
Point guard Vernard Jenkins had another free throw with 9 seconds left to seal the win. Tom Bellairs led the Falcons with 16 points, and 11 rebounds.
Air Force continues non-conference play at Navy next Saturday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. (EST).
