Falcons defeat Skovbakken, 63-53
8/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aug. 11, 2003
The Air Force Falcons overcame a cold-shooting first quarter to defeat Danish Elite League team Skovbakken, 63-53, behind 22 points from junior Tim Keller and eight rebounds from sophomore Nick Welch. Air Force finished its European trip with a perfect 6-0 record.
The Falcons struggled from the floor in the first quarter, shooting 4-18, including 0-9 from three-point range. Despite the bad shooting, Air Force was just down 15-10 at the end of the quarter to Skovbakken, which finished second in the Danish Elite League last season.
The second quarter was much better for the Falcons, who made nine of their 16 field-goal attempts to take a 32-26 advantage at halftime.
The Falcons built their lead to 49-42 at the end of the third quarter, but allowed Skovbakken to cut the lead to 53-48 midway through the fourth quarter. Keller then scored eight straight points to increase the lead to 61-48.
"This was definitely the best, and biggest, team we played on the trip," said Air Force head coach Joe Scott. "We fought hard after not hitting too many shots early and our defense was terrific."
Welch added 10 points, while senior Joel Gerlach had nine points and five steals. In addition to his 22 points, Keller had six steals.
"Nick Welch showed me a lot on this trip," said Scott. "It was important for him to play well, and he got us a lot of rebounds and scored in the paint."
The Falcons return home to Colorado Springs on Tuesday night.
