Air Force drops GCS opener to Michigan, 68-48

ESTERO, Fla.- Against a formidable opponent, a tough night from the field gave the Falcons no leeway in a Power Five matchup versus #22 Michigan, as Air Force was on the wrong end of the 68-48 final score.

"I think the most significant part of that game was, when a team plays as hard as we do, and they're bigger and more experienced than we are, it's hard for us to have an edge," said head coach Chris Gobrecht. "Their size really affected our ability to score the ball."

Freshman Milahnie Perry posted a team-high 11 points in 21 minutes, finishing 5-9 from the floor and 1-2 from three-point range. Kamri Heath also finished in double-figures with 10 points. Heath made a habit of attacking the rim, resulting in her connecting on six of a team-best seven free throw attempts.

Air Force found it difficult to maneuver through the rangy Wolverines defense, as the Falcons ended the night 15-53 (28.3%) from the field. Trailing 15-10 entering the second quarter, Air Force saw Michigan extend its lead to 11 at the break after making just three of 18 shots in the 10 minutes leading up to halftime.

Entering Friday, the Falcons had surrendered an average of just over 13 turnovers per game. On Friday, that number ballooned to 20 giveaways, nearly dismissing Air Force's 25 forced turnovers. As a result, the Wolverines outscored the Falcons 30-14 in points off turnovers.

"Other than a number of breakdowns, we defended pretty well, particularly considering how much bigger than us they were," said Gobrecht. "It was not only a combination of their size but their experience as well.

"I think it was a very good lesson for our younger players and we'll get better."

Air Force is now 0-15 all-time against ranked opponents.

Next, the Falcons slide into the consolation bracket of the Gulf Coast Showcase and are scheduled to play the loser of the ongoing South Florida-Georgia Tech matchup on Saturday, November 26. Regardless of opponent, tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 am MT.

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