Thursday, January 5
San Jose, CA
7:00 PM MT
Air Force Academy
at
San Jose State
Photo by: U.S. Air Force photo / Elefterio
Women’s Basketball Continues Road Campaign at San Jose State
1/3/2023 3:22:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Air Force (6-8, 1-1 MW) at San Jose State (2-11, 0-2 MW)
Provident Credit Union Event Center | San Jose, Calif.
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. MT
Air Force | San Jose State | Mountain West
Watch- NBC Sports | Listen- XtraSports AM 1300 | Live Stats
Game Notes
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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – On the second leg of a three-stop Mountain West road debut, the Air Force women's basketball team heads to San Jose State on Thursday for a 7:00 p.m. MT tip off on NBC Sports against the Spartans.
Falcons at a Glance:
Air Force (6-8, 1-1 MW) enters Thursday's match following split results against Utah State (W, 77-63) and New Mexico (L, 70-58) in the opening week of Mountain West play.
The Falcons are led on the floor in scoring by a backcourt duo consisting of senior Kamri Heath, averaging 14.7 points per-game and sophomore Madison Smith, who follows up Heath's scoring production with 12.2. Sophomore Jo Huntimer leads Air Force in creating assists, averaging 5.0 per game; Junior Kayla Pilson is the Air Force go-to in rebounds, averaging 5.8.
The Falcons currently produce top-ten figures nationally in both turnover margin (10th, 7.71) and steals per-game (7th, 12.6). Additionally, Air Force falls in at 19th in turnovers forced per-game (21.71), with all three figures leading Mountain West programs. The Falcons have produced double-digit turnovers in all 14 games, including a season-high 22 at Northwestern on Dec. 17.
Air Force fell by eight points or less in four of its seven nonconference losses - three of which were by two possessions or less. Five of the Falcons' defeats prior to league play came at the hands of Power Five opponents - two of which were a one-possession game heading into the final minute of regulation (at Colorado, at Northwestern).
The Engine That Makes It Go:
Kamri Heath leads Air Force in multiple scoring categories: Points (206), points per-game (14.7), field goals (84), field goal attempts (188) and field goal percentage (.447). Heath has posted double-digit scores in 12 of the Falcons' first 14 games and scored 20 or more in three contests, an effort underscored by a career-high 27-point outing against Navy in the Falcons' home opener on Nov. 11. Heath's .419 career field goal percentage (244-582) approaches the Air Force all-time Division I-era career record (.423), set by Pamela Findlay from 2004-08.
Smith's Sophomore Surge:
Into the second season of her intercollegiate career, Madison Smith has proven an emergent figure in the Falcons' starting lineup, averaging 12.2 points per-game. Smith's 18-47 from three-point land marks a team-high in made three-pointers and attempts, while shooting at a .383 clip- also a team high among Falcon contributors. Smith is currently 25-26 (.962) from the free-throw line, with her lone missed attempt occurring versus No. 22 Michigan on (Nov. 25). Smith's free-throw percentage currently falls in at fifth-best in the nation and is on pace to reset the Air Force single-season record (.918), set by Madeleine Philpot (2014-15).
At Northwestern (Dec. 17), Smith led both teams in scoring, posting 21 points on the night behind an unblemished 10-10 from the stripe- one point shy of matching her career high set against Georgia Tech in the Gulf Coast Showcase (Nov. 26).
Service Before Self:
Sophomore Jo Huntimer leads Air Force in assists (70), assists per-game (5.0) and assist/turnover ratio (1.89) - all categories top-two figures among the Mountain West. On the defensive side, Huntimer follows Heath as a major contributor in total steals (32) and steals per game (2.29).
With 70 assists on the year and 192 for her career, Huntimer falls just one assist short of tying tenth in the Falcon record books for all-time assists in the Division I era.
Defend Your Castle:
Air Force is 5-1 in Clune Arena, with wins over Navy, Adams State, UCCS, UTEP, and Utah State. The Falcons' lone home loss occurred at the hands of a quad-one Utah Tech squad, who escaped Clune with a 73-70 win in the final minute of regulation.
San Jose State at a Glance:
San Jose State is currently riding a three-game skid which extended into Mountain West play, falling at Nevada (Dec. 29, 64-47) and Boise State (Dec. 31, 73-62). The Spartans' last win occurred on Dec. 18 at home against UC-San Diego, 70-56.
SJSU is led on the floor by senior guard Jada Holland, averaging 28.9 minutes and 10.2 points per game in her first season after transferring from UC Riverside. The 2021-22 Big West All-Tournament selection also leads the Spartans in steals (31) and steals per game (2.38).
Last Time/All-Time:
San Jose State currently owns a 13-7 advantage in the all-time series against Air Force; The Falcons have won three of the last four against the Spartans, including a season sweep of SJSU in 2021-22.
On Feb. 23, Air Force downed SJSU in San Jose, 68-59 to complete the season sweep behind 24 points created on turnovers, with three cadets posting scores in the double digits.
Last Time Out:
Air Force struggled to pin down New Mexico, falling 70-58 in Albuquerque on New Year's Day.
The Falcons (6-8, 1-1 MW) fell at the hands of a 51% shooting rate on the afternoon for UNM (9-5, 1-0 MW), and a 44-26 discrepancy favoring the Lobos in inside-the-paint baskets. The defensive capabilities Air Force has hung its hat on showed out in stretches late in the contest but was not enough to overcome New Mexico's success in the post throughout.
Air Force was led on the floor by a 16-point showing for both starters Nikki McDonald and Madison Smith. McDonald's 16 eclipsed her previous career high of 14, set in a 63-60 win against UTEP on Dec. 4 at Clune Arena.
Coach G Gaining Ground
Head Coach Chris Gobrecht is currently serving her 43rd season as a head coach - the second-longest tenure in Division I women's hoops behind Stanford's Tara VanDerveer (44). Gobrecht's career win tally surpassed 600 wins in the Falcons' Nov. 11 home opener against Navy.
Into her eighth season at the head of the Falcons' program, Coach Gobrecht currently has 61 career Air Force wins to her name, making her the all-time winningest coach at three separate institutions- Air Force, Yale and Washington.
Gobrecht was named 2021-22 Mountain West Coach of the Year following Air Force's successful 19-14 season – A year punctuated by Gobrecht's fourth career WNIT appearance as a head coach, and the Falcons' first postseason appearance and subsequent win in program history – a 64-60 victory over WCC opponent San Francisco on March 17.
2021-22 Mountain West Recap:
Air Force crafted its most successful season in program history in 2021-22, as the Falcons' 19 overall wins and 11 conference victories were both program-bests. Air Force claimed four season-sweeps of conference opponents, also a program first. The Falcons secured the program's first-ever bye in the Mountain West Tournament where they defeated Nevada to advance to the tournament semifinal round for the first time in program history.
How To Follow:
Thursday's game at San Jose State will be nationally broadcast via cable subscription on NBC Sports – Bay Area; Radio coverage will be provided by XtraSports AM 1300 with Ryan Kaufman giving the courtside call; a link to live statistics and play-by-play breakdown can be found on the women's basketball schedule page at goairforcefalcons.com.
Next Up:
The Falcons close their three-game road stretch on Jan. 7 at Nevada, before returning to Clune Arena to host Wyoming on Jan. 11.
Provident Credit Union Event Center | San Jose, Calif.
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. MT
Air Force | San Jose State | Mountain West
Watch- NBC Sports | Listen- XtraSports AM 1300 | Live Stats
Game Notes
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – On the second leg of a three-stop Mountain West road debut, the Air Force women's basketball team heads to San Jose State on Thursday for a 7:00 p.m. MT tip off on NBC Sports against the Spartans.
Falcons at a Glance:
Air Force (6-8, 1-1 MW) enters Thursday's match following split results against Utah State (W, 77-63) and New Mexico (L, 70-58) in the opening week of Mountain West play.
The Falcons are led on the floor in scoring by a backcourt duo consisting of senior Kamri Heath, averaging 14.7 points per-game and sophomore Madison Smith, who follows up Heath's scoring production with 12.2. Sophomore Jo Huntimer leads Air Force in creating assists, averaging 5.0 per game; Junior Kayla Pilson is the Air Force go-to in rebounds, averaging 5.8.
The Falcons currently produce top-ten figures nationally in both turnover margin (10th, 7.71) and steals per-game (7th, 12.6). Additionally, Air Force falls in at 19th in turnovers forced per-game (21.71), with all three figures leading Mountain West programs. The Falcons have produced double-digit turnovers in all 14 games, including a season-high 22 at Northwestern on Dec. 17.
Air Force fell by eight points or less in four of its seven nonconference losses - three of which were by two possessions or less. Five of the Falcons' defeats prior to league play came at the hands of Power Five opponents - two of which were a one-possession game heading into the final minute of regulation (at Colorado, at Northwestern).
The Engine That Makes It Go:
Kamri Heath leads Air Force in multiple scoring categories: Points (206), points per-game (14.7), field goals (84), field goal attempts (188) and field goal percentage (.447). Heath has posted double-digit scores in 12 of the Falcons' first 14 games and scored 20 or more in three contests, an effort underscored by a career-high 27-point outing against Navy in the Falcons' home opener on Nov. 11. Heath's .419 career field goal percentage (244-582) approaches the Air Force all-time Division I-era career record (.423), set by Pamela Findlay from 2004-08.
Smith's Sophomore Surge:
Into the second season of her intercollegiate career, Madison Smith has proven an emergent figure in the Falcons' starting lineup, averaging 12.2 points per-game. Smith's 18-47 from three-point land marks a team-high in made three-pointers and attempts, while shooting at a .383 clip- also a team high among Falcon contributors. Smith is currently 25-26 (.962) from the free-throw line, with her lone missed attempt occurring versus No. 22 Michigan on (Nov. 25). Smith's free-throw percentage currently falls in at fifth-best in the nation and is on pace to reset the Air Force single-season record (.918), set by Madeleine Philpot (2014-15).
At Northwestern (Dec. 17), Smith led both teams in scoring, posting 21 points on the night behind an unblemished 10-10 from the stripe- one point shy of matching her career high set against Georgia Tech in the Gulf Coast Showcase (Nov. 26).
Service Before Self:
Sophomore Jo Huntimer leads Air Force in assists (70), assists per-game (5.0) and assist/turnover ratio (1.89) - all categories top-two figures among the Mountain West. On the defensive side, Huntimer follows Heath as a major contributor in total steals (32) and steals per game (2.29).
With 70 assists on the year and 192 for her career, Huntimer falls just one assist short of tying tenth in the Falcon record books for all-time assists in the Division I era.
Defend Your Castle:
Air Force is 5-1 in Clune Arena, with wins over Navy, Adams State, UCCS, UTEP, and Utah State. The Falcons' lone home loss occurred at the hands of a quad-one Utah Tech squad, who escaped Clune with a 73-70 win in the final minute of regulation.
San Jose State at a Glance:
San Jose State is currently riding a three-game skid which extended into Mountain West play, falling at Nevada (Dec. 29, 64-47) and Boise State (Dec. 31, 73-62). The Spartans' last win occurred on Dec. 18 at home against UC-San Diego, 70-56.
SJSU is led on the floor by senior guard Jada Holland, averaging 28.9 minutes and 10.2 points per game in her first season after transferring from UC Riverside. The 2021-22 Big West All-Tournament selection also leads the Spartans in steals (31) and steals per game (2.38).
Last Time/All-Time:
San Jose State currently owns a 13-7 advantage in the all-time series against Air Force; The Falcons have won three of the last four against the Spartans, including a season sweep of SJSU in 2021-22.
On Feb. 23, Air Force downed SJSU in San Jose, 68-59 to complete the season sweep behind 24 points created on turnovers, with three cadets posting scores in the double digits.
Last Time Out:
Air Force struggled to pin down New Mexico, falling 70-58 in Albuquerque on New Year's Day.
The Falcons (6-8, 1-1 MW) fell at the hands of a 51% shooting rate on the afternoon for UNM (9-5, 1-0 MW), and a 44-26 discrepancy favoring the Lobos in inside-the-paint baskets. The defensive capabilities Air Force has hung its hat on showed out in stretches late in the contest but was not enough to overcome New Mexico's success in the post throughout.
Air Force was led on the floor by a 16-point showing for both starters Nikki McDonald and Madison Smith. McDonald's 16 eclipsed her previous career high of 14, set in a 63-60 win against UTEP on Dec. 4 at Clune Arena.
Coach G Gaining Ground
Head Coach Chris Gobrecht is currently serving her 43rd season as a head coach - the second-longest tenure in Division I women's hoops behind Stanford's Tara VanDerveer (44). Gobrecht's career win tally surpassed 600 wins in the Falcons' Nov. 11 home opener against Navy.
Into her eighth season at the head of the Falcons' program, Coach Gobrecht currently has 61 career Air Force wins to her name, making her the all-time winningest coach at three separate institutions- Air Force, Yale and Washington.
Gobrecht was named 2021-22 Mountain West Coach of the Year following Air Force's successful 19-14 season – A year punctuated by Gobrecht's fourth career WNIT appearance as a head coach, and the Falcons' first postseason appearance and subsequent win in program history – a 64-60 victory over WCC opponent San Francisco on March 17.
2021-22 Mountain West Recap:
Air Force crafted its most successful season in program history in 2021-22, as the Falcons' 19 overall wins and 11 conference victories were both program-bests. Air Force claimed four season-sweeps of conference opponents, also a program first. The Falcons secured the program's first-ever bye in the Mountain West Tournament where they defeated Nevada to advance to the tournament semifinal round for the first time in program history.
How To Follow:
Thursday's game at San Jose State will be nationally broadcast via cable subscription on NBC Sports – Bay Area; Radio coverage will be provided by XtraSports AM 1300 with Ryan Kaufman giving the courtside call; a link to live statistics and play-by-play breakdown can be found on the women's basketball schedule page at goairforcefalcons.com.
Next Up:
The Falcons close their three-game road stretch on Jan. 7 at Nevada, before returning to Clune Arena to host Wyoming on Jan. 11.
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