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Air Force (11-8,1-4) faced a huge challenge when, hosting No. 15 UNLV (20-3, 4-1), but they nearly produced a nail-biting upset.
On the heels of a three-game losing streak, the Air Force Falcons will face arguably their biggest challenge so far this season when they host No. 15 UNLV. The Falcons have struggled on the offensive end of the court during their current losing streak, failing to reach 60 points in all three losses.
Michael Lyons has struggled since his return from an injury, failing to score in double-figures in each of the last three games. Despite the recent struggles, Lyons is averaging a team-high 13.8 ppg for the Falcons. The only other player to average in double-figures is Mike Fitzgerald, who is averaging 11.3 ppg on 52% shooting from the field.
UNLV has bounced back from a loss in their Mountain West opener with three consecutive wins. Mike Moser, who transferred to the program from UCLA, has been one of the best players in the country, averaging 14.2 ppg and a team-high 11.7 rpg. Junior guard Anthony Marshall has been tremendous for the Runnin' Rebels, as he is averaging 12 ppg, 4.9 apg and 4,7 rpg.
Game Time/Date: 7 p.m. (MT)/ Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012
Location: Clune Arena, Colorado Springs, CO.
Television: The Mountain
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Air Force Vs. No. 15 UNLV: Falcons Nearly Upset Runnin' Rebels, But Lose 63-65 In Overtime
The Air Force Falcons (11-8,1-4) nearly stunned the No. 15 UNLV Runnin' Rebels (20-3, 4-1), leading the Rebels 55-51 with only 3:34 remaining in the second half, but the Rebels fought back, taking a 65-63 win in the final second of overtime.
The game appeared to go according to script early as the Rebels jumped to a 24-13 lead after 10 minutes, but the Falcons threw the script out, retaking the lead and eventually going into the half down by one at 34-35.
The second half went back and forth, the lead changing hands over four times, but an Anthony Marshall free throw tied the game at the end of regulation. The Rebels took the lead early in overtime, but the Falcons got to within two points with just 8 seconds remaining, but a late turnover ended their upset hopes.
As a team, the Falcons proved nearly perfect on free throws, dropping 14 of 18 attempted buckets. Junior G Michael Lyons once again led the Falcons offense, connecting on 9 of 19 shots for 25 points and 5 rebounds. F Kamryn Williams (13 points, 8 rebounds) and C Taylor Broekhuis (11 pounts, 3 rebounds) also had strong games, but the effort proved insufficient to stop the impressive showing from UNLV forward Mike Moser (27 points, 12 rebounds).
The Falcons will be back in action on Tuesday night, taking on Mount West Conference rival the New Mexico Lobos.
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Jan 28 10:12p by Bradley Woodrum