Air Force Opens Season With 79-63 Setback at Belmont

Air Force men's basketball opened the 2025-26 season with a 79-63 setback at Belmont Monday night at the Curb Event Center in Nashville, Tenn. Freshman Kam Sanders led the Falcons in his collegiate debut with 18 points and seven assists.

Belmont had four players in double-figures, led by forward Sam Orme, who scored 21 points. Guard Tyler Lundblade added 18 points.

Air Force, featuring a bevy of new faces and several young returners with expanded roles, opened the game by knocking down their first eight shots and leading 19-11 six minutes in. The Falcons shot 61 percent from the field in the opening half.

Belmont closed the gap, aided by 12 first-half turnover by the Falcons, leading to 19 points. The Bruins also held a 12-1 advantage in first-half free throws made to take a 39-38 lead at the half.

In the second half, Belmont pounded the ball inside and ramped up the pressure up on defense, as an 11-0 run turned a one-point game into a 12-point deficit for the Falcons. The Bruins scored 38 points in the paint and held a 35-6 advantage in points off turnovers for the game.

Air Force got 42 points from its freshmen, with Lucas Hobin scoring nine points on three three's off the bench. Ethan Greenberg added five points in the start. Freshman Justin Hinds also made his collegiate debut.

Sophomore forward Eli Robinson scored 11 points and had a game-high seven rebounds in his first-career start. Robinson played in just one game as a freshman.

Junior Caleb Walker was the third Falcon in double-figures scoring, pouring in 12 points. Walker was an efficient 4-for-5 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Walker also added four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Air Force shot 51 percent from the field for the game and 78 percent from the line. The Falcons out-rebounded the Bruins 31-23.

Air Force returns to action Saturday, Nov. 8, hosting Austin Peay. Tip time is 2 pm MT.

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