Opinion
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Will the Air Force Falcons Soar Above the New Mexico Lobos at The Pit?

As the Air Force Falcons prepare to face off against the New Mexico Lobos at The Pit, fans are eager to see if their team can clinch a victory on foreign hardwood. With a scheduled game on February 24th, anticipation is building for what promises to be an electrifying match-up.


Feb 10, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons guard Carter Murphy (4) attempts a shot as guard Corbin Green (15) screens New Mexico Lobos guard Jamal Mashburn Jr. (5) and forward Josiah Allick (53) in the first half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have shown tenacity in their recent games, with a particularly close encounter against Fresno State Bulldogs on February 10th. Despite falling short by just two points with a final score of 66-68, AFA demonstrated their defensive prowess with five blocks and an impressive eleven steals. Their assist-to-turnover ratio stood out at 1.7, indicating a team that knows how to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.


However, it wasn't all smooth flying for AFA; they struggled from the charity stripe with only fifty percent free throw accuracy and were outrebounded by Fresno State's thirty-one rebounds to their twenty-six. These are areas where they will need significant improvement if they hope to dominate UNM.


Feb 10, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons forward Rytis Petraitis (31) controls the ball as New Mexico Lobos forward Josiah Allick (53) guards in the second half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

In contrast, when pitted against San Diego State Aztecs earlier in February, AFA faced challenges that highlighted areas for improvement. They managed only sixty-four points against SDSU's seventy-seven and were hampered by personal fouls totaling nineteen – an aspect of play that must be tightened up before facing UNM.


What stands out about AFA is their ability to adapt and fight back even when trailing behind. This resilience was evident during both mentioned games as they rallied in second halves but still need more consistency throughout forty minutes of play.


Feb 10, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons guard Jake Heidbreder (3) attempts a shot against New Mexico Lobos guard Jamal Mashburn Jr. (5) as forward Beau Becker (14) and forward Morris Udeze (24) look on in the second half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The upcoming clash with UNM will require AFA's players to step up once again – this time focusing on maintaining strong defense without fouling and improving free throw performance under pressure. They'll also need to harness energy from previous home support despite being away from familiar territory.


UNM should not be underestimated; playing at home gives them an advantage that could prove challenging for AFA. However, if history has taught us anything about these Falcons, it’s that they possess both the grit and skill necessary to turn any game around in their favor.


Fans eager not just for victory but also for witnessing strategic basketball should mark their calendars: The showdown between Air Force Falcons and New Mexico Lobos is set for February 24th at 2:00 PM MST at The Pit in Albuquerque. You can catch all the action live on CBS Sports Network channel 221 – don’t miss what promises to be a thrilling encounter!

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