Falcons ride second-half comeback in season-opening win

USAFA, Colo. - The Falcons opened their 2021-22 season with a game that quickly swayed from dramatic to emphatic. Having trailed by as many as 13 points, Air Force outscored Denver 29-7 in the third quarter to fuel a 79-62 win at Clune Arena.

Briana Autrey-Thompson led the Falcons with 26 points, as the Virginian was 10-20 from the field (50%). Autrey-Thompson's 26 points ties her single game career-high, a milestone that was previously set against Western Colorado on December 16, 2020. The senior also contributed with four rebounds and three assists from her point guard position.

Autrey-Thompson was one of four Falcons to finish in double-figures, including Riley Snyder (18 pts), Cierra Winters (12 pts) and Dasha Macmillan (11 pts). Winters also led Air Force with eight rebounds and six steals, with Synder snagging seven boards of her own. With a handful of other guards unable to suit up, freshman Jo Huntimer was given extended playing time this evening and took advantage of the stage. Huntimer's calm and collected play in the backcourt gave solace to a team missing key players. Huntimer finished her first collegiate game with two points to go with three assists and a pair of steals.

Chris Gobrecht promised her team would fly around the gym this season, and fly they did. The Falcons decisively won the turnover battle, forcing 22 changes of possession compared to having surrendered only seven. Air Force was also the stronger team in the post, outscoring Denver 46-32 in the paint.

Air Force fell behind the eight ball early on, as the Pioneers connected on 54% (14-26) of their shot attempts over the first 20 minutes of play. Conversely, Air Force was held to 32% from the field (11-34) in the first-half. The deficit reached as many as 13 points early in the third quarter, though the Falcons seemingly stole the momentum of the game as the third quarter unraveled. Down 13 with just over eight minutes remaining in the opening quarter of the second-half, Macmillan drew an and-one, sending her to the foul line. Macmillan didn't connect on the lone free throw, though Winters grabbed one of her three offensive rebounds before finding an open Macmillan for a three-pointer, ending a five-point possession.

The Falcons would proceed to go on a 25-2 run to close the third quarter, taking a 59-47 lead into the final 10 minutes of play. Coach Gobrecht's team was able to draw out the clock while remaining effective on both sides of the floor. Once trailing by as many as 13 points, Air Force managed to balloon its lead up to as many 19 points before the final whistle. The win marks the first home victory over Denver since 2007.

Next, the Falcons will prepare for the Colorado Buffaloes as the in-state foe will travel to USAFA on Sunday, November 14. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm.

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