Air Force Rolls To 72-53 Win Over Holy Cross at Sunshine Slam

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Air Force men's basketball defeated Holy Cross (1-3), 72-53, on Saturday afternoon to advance to the championship game at the Sunshine Slam held at the Ocean Center. The Falcons are off to its best start since 2017 at 3-1.

Air Force led wire-to-wire in the game in a strong defensive effort. The Falcons forced the Crusaders into 21 turnovers, which led to a 27-6 scoring advantage in points off turnovers. Air Force also did not allow a three-point basket, as Holy Cross went 0-for-8 from three point range.

Senior AJ Walker led the Falcons with a season-high 27 points. Sophomore Joseph Octave scored 12 points and freshmen Jake Heidbreder and Ethan Taylor chipped in with 11 each.

The Falcons took the lead early and held on to a 26-24 halftime lead. Air Force took over in the second half, opening with a 15-3 run to jump ahead 41-27 with 13 minutes to play. The Falcons built as high as a 23 point lead in the second, as the defense clamped down on the Crusaders, while the offense kept putting up buckets.

Air Force shot 48 percent from the field and made nine threes. The Falcons held Holy Cross to 39 percent shooting. Guard Kyrell Luc led the Crusaders with 15 points.

Air Force caps play at the Sunshine Slam tomorrow against Bethune-Cookman, who won its game over Bryant earlier in the day. Tip time is 2:30 pm ET and the game will be broadcast by Flo Hoops.

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