Air Force Academy
UCCS (EXH)
Air Force Defeats UCCS in Exhibition, 66-48
11/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2003
The Air Force women's basketball team notched a 66-48 home victory over UCCS in a preseason exhibition game Tuesday night at Clune Arena. The Falcons notched the first basket of the game and never trailed, leading wire to wire. It was the final pre-season tune up for the Falcons, whose regular season starts on Nov. 21st at home against Pan American.
Briana Thomas made a lay up just 13 seconds into the game and the Falcons never looked back. They scored the first six points of the game and extended their lead to as much as 13 points in the first half. The teams headed to the locker rooms at the break with the Falcons holding a 10-point advantage (32-22).
"We were able to come out strong offensively and take an early lead. This allowed our players to relax and play with more confidence," head coach Ardie McInelly said. "We still have some things to work on but I am proud of the way our team played."
The Mountain Lions used a stifling, full-court press to cut the lead to four points early in the second half, but it was as close as they would get. Air Force would then steadily build its lead, pulling ahead by 20 points midway through the second half. The team would hold on for the 18-point victory.
Shawna Neff was one rebound shy of the double-double, notching 11 points and nine rebounds to lead the Falcons. Letricia Castillo added 10 points, marking her second consecutive double-digit scoring output. Briana Thomas would add nine points and six boards, while Amoy Jackson had four steals.
UCCS' B.J. McNealy led all scorers with 14 points, and Meghan McGee chipped in 10 for the Mountain Lions. Air Force shot 44.8 percent from the field, connecting on 22-of-48. The Falcons launched 22 three-point attempts, hitting eight. Both teams had trouble holding onto the ball, with the Lions tallying 23 turnovers to the Falcons' 21.
The Falcons will be back in action on Friday, Nov. 21st, for their first regular season game. They take on Texas Pan American at Clune Arena in their first game of the Air Force Classic tournament. Ttip off set for 5 p.m.
