The Air Force Falcons opened the inaugural All-Military Classic by defeating the Army Black Knights, 87-71, on Friday night. Junior guard Michael Lyons led the Falcons with 24 points on 7-of-13 shooting and sinking 10-of-14 free throws. Lyons was also a force around the glass, pulling down nine rebounds (four offensive, five defensive).
However, the Falcons also played sloppy basketball to start the season. The team had 23 turnovers, including four each by Lyons and Taylor Stewart. Stewart and Todd Fletcher each dished the ball out for seven assists. Stewart and Fletcher scored 16 and 14 points, respectively. Chris Carter finished the night with nine points and seven steals (15 steals for the team).
Ella Ellis, Julian Simmons and Mo Williams scored 17, 16 ad 15 points, respectively, for Army. The Black Knights had 24 turnovers but 11 steals.
The Falcons will play the winner of VMI vs. Citadel on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. MT.
For more on Mountain West basketball, visit the Mountain West Connection.