Wednesday, November 24
USAFA
2:00 pm MT
Air Force Academy
66
vs
65
Denver
Air Force Holds Off Denver In 66-65 Win
11/24/2021 5:01:00 PM | Men's Basketball
USAF ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force men's basketball withstood a second half comeback attempt by Denver in a 66-65 win Wednesday afternoon at Clune Arena. The Falcons win its fifth in a row, improving to 5-1 for its best start since 2016.
Air Force had a big first-half to lead by 22 points at the half. The Falcons put up a season-high for points in a half, jumping out to a 47-25 halftime lead. Senior guard Walker scored 21 of his 27 points in the first-half on a blistering 8-for-9 shooting from the field, including 4 of 4 from three-point range. As a team, the Falcons shot 62 percent from the field in the opening half, including over 50 percent from three point range at 7 of 13 made.
Denver stormed back in the second half and erased Air Force's 22-point lead. The Pioneers would take the lead with 49 second left on a jumper by Michael Henn. On the ensuing possession, Jake Heidbreder was fouled on a shot attempt with 30 seconds left and sank both free throws to put Air Force back ahead for good. The Falcons were able to get a defensive stop on Denver's final possession to escape with the win.
Air Force shot a season-best's of 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range. Walker led Air Force with 27 points on 10 of 14 shooting from the field and 4 of 5 from three point range. Freshman Ethan Taylor notched his first-career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Nikc Jackson added eight points off the bench and Heidbreder and sophomore Joe Octave added seven points each.
Henn led Denver with 16 points. KJ Hunt added 15.
Air Force returns to action Saturday, Nov. 27, hosting Idaho State. Tip time is 2 pm MT.
Air Force had a big first-half to lead by 22 points at the half. The Falcons put up a season-high for points in a half, jumping out to a 47-25 halftime lead. Senior guard Walker scored 21 of his 27 points in the first-half on a blistering 8-for-9 shooting from the field, including 4 of 4 from three-point range. As a team, the Falcons shot 62 percent from the field in the opening half, including over 50 percent from three point range at 7 of 13 made.
Denver stormed back in the second half and erased Air Force's 22-point lead. The Pioneers would take the lead with 49 second left on a jumper by Michael Henn. On the ensuing possession, Jake Heidbreder was fouled on a shot attempt with 30 seconds left and sank both free throws to put Air Force back ahead for good. The Falcons were able to get a defensive stop on Denver's final possession to escape with the win.
Air Force shot a season-best's of 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range. Walker led Air Force with 27 points on 10 of 14 shooting from the field and 4 of 5 from three point range. Freshman Ethan Taylor notched his first-career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Nikc Jackson added eight points off the bench and Heidbreder and sophomore Joe Octave added seven points each.
Henn led Denver with 16 points. KJ Hunt added 15.
Air Force returns to action Saturday, Nov. 27, hosting Idaho State. Tip time is 2 pm MT.
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Forward
/ Men's Basketball
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