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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