The Air Force men’s basketball team lost at Washington State this afternoon, 75-68.
The Falcons played without leading scorer Grant Parker, who was out with a strained groin. Freshman Michael Lyons led Air Force with a career-high 25 points in a breakout performance.
Air Force was within two, 57-55, with less than seven minutes to play.
I made it to the game. A loss is a loss….but a very good game by a very young team missing key components. Missing leading scorer Grant Parker (15ppg) and center Sammy S (8ppg) but sill worked hard for 40 mins. Had the game down to a 4pt spread mid-way thru the second half but couldn’t hold on. Kudo’s go out to:
Mike Lyons (Prep School Freshman) career night ‘without’ being selfish: passed, played defense, scored when it was his turn. Great night for a young Falcons.
Todd Fletcher….handled the ball as G under pressure. Great passes and excellent in the lane. Cool under pressure for a direct entry freshman.
Mike McClain…second game in a role that (as Jake parapharsed in an earlier ’3 things to watch’) he played within himself. Excellent on both sides of the court, excellent passes, tough inside and didn’t force the outside. Ran the court and talked/encourage teammates. If he continues to play like this then I might call him the ‘verbal’ leader of the team. After the MSU game, great to see Mike play so well two games in a row.
A loss is a loss…..but a very good showing by the Falcons in an away game vs the Pac-10.