Falcons Close Thanksgiving Classic With 59-49 Win Over Wright State

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Air Force Women's Basketball, after a two-game stretch in south Florida, returns to the Academy in the win column with a 59-49 win over Horizon League opponent Wright State on Saturday afternoon at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena in Boca Raton, Fla.

For the fifth-consecutive game, senior Milahnie Perry led all scorers with 19 points; Junior Jayda McNabb scored her second double-double this season, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds (game high); Marissa Hargrave wrapped on a strong two-game showing with an eight-points, 11 boards (tied game high) and a game-high four assists (career high).

Air Force held a slight 12-11 advantage closing out the first quarter. The Falcons managed to lead Wright State into early fouls, allowing the Falcons to open the game 8-9 from the stripe. Perry and Hargrave combined for a 7-0 run, before consecutive Raider baskets cut the Air Force advantage to a single point at the first quarter buzzer.

The Falcons found their rhythm in the second quarter, shooting 9-22 (41 percent) through the remainder of a half. In the opening minutes of the frame, Air Force took off on a 12-0 run, extending its lead into double digits. At the half, Perry's 12 points led all scoring for the game, with Hargrave's six following up.

Air Force scoring settled down in the third and Wright State worked its way back into single digits. The Falcons responded by pulling together a seven-point spurt in the final two minutes, led off by a left corner three for freshman Maddy Jensen to lead to give Air Force a 45-34 advantage with 10 minutes to go in the game.

Wright State narrowed Air Force's lead to five (45-40) in the first three minutes of the final quarter, but an 8-0 answer from four different Falcons bought Air Force its largest lead of the game (53-40) with two minutes remaining. Wright State made a late push, getting six rapid points off a driving and-one for Raider Lauren Scott and three-pointer from Rylee Sagester, but free throws from the Falcons in foul territory held the Raiders at arm's length for the remainder of the contest.

Air Force (4-4, 0-0 MW) led Wright State in field goals made (19), free throws made (18, season high) and attempted (23), rebounds (49, season high), points off of turnovers (11), second chance points (four), bench points (12), points in the paint (28) and blocks (three). The Falcons are 4-0 this season when leading in second chance and bench scoring margins.

Up Next:
Air Force Women's Basketball completes a four-game road stretch taking on Utah Valley in Orem, Utah on Dec. 6.

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