Air Force Drops Contest At Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. - Air Force men's basketball dropped a 74-65 contest at Fresno State (4-13, 0-6 MW) in Mountain West play on Friday Night at Save Mart Center. Sophomore forward Luke Kearney led the Falcons with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Facing a predominantly zone defense, the Falcons were held to 33 percent shooting from the field. Fresno State shot 50 percent from the field and made 21 of 23 free throws, good for a 91 percent mark from the line.

Air Force struggled to figure out Fresno State's zone defense early, as the Bulldogs raced to a 41-24 halftime lead. The Bulldogs had a 14-0 run early to jump ahead 16-2 to start the game.

The Falcons rallied back with a 9-0 run on three straight three's to pull to within five at 21-16 with 11:04 to play in the half. But Fresno State countered with a 13-2 run to get its lead back up to double digits.

The Falcons were held to 29 percent shooting in the opening half and did not attempt a free throw. Fresno State got the free throw 14 times in the first half, making 13.

Air Force improved its play significantly in the second half, out-scoring Fresno State 41-33. Trailing by as many as 18, the Falcons rallied back and got the game to within seven points with under six minutes to play. The Bulldogs were able to match the Falcons in scoring the rest of the way out to pull out the win.

Kearney had a career-night for the Falcons, setting career-high's in both points and rebounds in his first-career double-double. He also had six three's and played all 40 minutes, also both career high's.

Senior guard Ethan Taylor followed with 16 points, knocking down three three's. Taylor also led the Falcons with six assists and two steals. He moved into fourth-place all-time at Air Force in three's made (215) and assists (355). Freshman guard Kyle Marshall also continued to solid play of late, chipping-in with 13 points, four assists and four rebounds.

Air Force had a season-high 38 three-point attempts in the game and out-rebounded the Bulldogs 38-31. The Falcons had a season-high 16 offensive boards, with Kearney corralling nine on his own.

Guard Zaon Collins led Fresno State with 23 points. Forward Alex Crawford added 21 points.

Air Force returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 22, hosting San Diego State. Tip time is 8 pm MT from Clune Arena. The game will be broadcast nationally on the CBS Sports Network (CBSSN).

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Team Stats

Luke Kearney

Ethan Taylor

Kyle Marshall

Caleb Walker

Players Mentioned

Luke Kearney

Kyle Marshall

Ethan Taylor

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