Air Force Opens Season With Setback To North Alabama

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. - The Air Force men's basketball dropped a 73-57 contest to North Alabama in its 2024-25 season-opener Monday night at Clune Arena. Senior guard Ethan Taylor led the Falcons with a career-high 30 points.

North Alabama made 15 three's on the night, shooting 52 percent from long range. Jacari Lane led the Lions with 24 points, going 5 of 6 from three.

The Falcons struggled to find its offense in the first half, falling behind 43-22. North Alabama would go up by 29 points in the second half, before the Falcons rallied late. Air Force out-scored UNA 35-30 in the second half.

Taylor tried to single-handedly keep the Falcons in the game, going 9-for-13 from the field and 8-for-11 from three. His eight three's was a career-high and one shy of the school record. Taylor also led the Falcons with eight rebounds.

Sophomore Caleb Walker also reached double-figures in scoring with 12 points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench. Sophomore Wes Celichowski had two blocked shots in his first-career start. Senior Jeffrey Mills led the team with four assists.

Three freshmen made their collegiate debuts for the Falcons. Kyle Marshall scored two points and had one assist. Sam Duskin had two assists and Sam Springer also saw action.

Air Force shot 39 percent from the field and 35 percent from three point range. The Falcons out-rebounded UNA 33-31.

Air Force returns to action Thursday, Nov. 7, hosting Jacksonville State. The game is slated for a 7 pm MT tip.

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