Opinion
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Can the Air Force Falcons Soar Past the San Jose State Spartans?

As the Air Force Falcons prepare to face off against the San Jose State Spartans at Provident Credit Union Event Center, fans are eager to see if their team can maintain their recent momentum. The Falcons have shown a mix of resilience and vulnerability in their past performances, which could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this upcoming clash.


Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; San Jose State Spartans guard Omari Moore (10) attempts a shot under pressure from Air Force Falcons guard Carter Murphy (4) in the second half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

In their last game on December 21st against Northern Colorado Bears, the Falcons fell just short with a score of 79-83. Despite this loss, there were positive takeaways; they boasted an impressive three-point shooting percentage of 52 percent and outperformed in assists with a total of 21. However, turnovers were a concern as they racked up 11 compared to their opponents' 12.


Earlier on December 16th, when facing Texas-Arlington Mavericks at Dickies Arena, turnovers proved costly for AFA once again as they committed a staggering 19 while only forcing 20 from UTA. This resulted in a narrow defeat with a final scoreline reading Air Force Falcons:73 - Texas-Arlington Mavericks:76. The silver lining was found in points off turnovers where AFA capitalized with 19 points and showed defensive prowess by stealing the ball on twelve occasions.


Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons guard Jake Heidbreder (3) controls the ball against San Jose State Spartans guard Omari Moore (10) as forward Beau Becker (14) and forward Robert Vaihola (22) defend in the first half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The game against Eastern Washington Eagles on December 9th highlighted some defensive issues for AFA as well; despite securing more steals (11) than EWU's eight and blocking four shots, they allowed too many points off turnovers (31) leading to another loss (68-73). Their three-point shooting was consistent at around 38 percent but wasn't enough to secure victory.


Looking ahead to Valentine's Day's matchup against SJSU Spartans presents an opportunity for redemption. The key for AFA will be managing those turnover numbers while maintaining their strong perimeter shooting performance. If they can tighten up defensively and control possession better than in previous outings, there is every chance that fans will witness an Air Force victory.


Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons forward Rytis Petraitis (31) controls the ball as San Jose State Spartans guard Omari Moore (10) guards in the second half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Spartans should not be underestimated though; any lapse in concentration or execution from AFA could very well tilt the scales in favor of SJSU who will have home-court advantage and undoubtedly look to capitalize on any Falcon errors.


With all eyes set on February 14th at Provident Credit Union Event Center at San Jose CA starting at an internationally broadcasted time equivalent to February13th at10:00 PM EST/7:00 PM PST (3:00 AM UTC), fans should mark their calendars for what promises to be an enthralling encounter between these two competitive teams. For those unable to attend live action can tune into NBCS-BA channel number696to catch every play as it unfolds.

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