Bulldogs Barely Best Falcons in Clune Arena Clash
The Air Force Falcons faced a tough challenge against the Fresno State Bulldogs, concluding with a score of 74-68. The Bulldogs' season record now stands at an even 0-0, while the Falcons fall to 0-0. Despite the loss, the home team displayed commendable effort throughout the game.
The Falcons started off trailing in the first quarter with only 13 points to Fresno State's 22 but gradually closed the gap as they scored 16 and then ramped up their performance with 19 points in the third quarter. They continued their push in the final quarter by adding another 20 points to their tally. The team's resilience was evident as they fought hard to overcome an early deficit.
Air Force's offense was marked by aggressive play inside, leading to them scoring a notable 40 points in paint compared to Fresno State's impressive tally of 36. However, it was on defense where Air Force truly shined; they managed an outstanding total of eleven steals over four quarters which is indicative of their defensive tenacity.
Key players for Air Force stepped up when needed; however, despite shooting at a rate of fifty-one percent from two-point range and forty-four percent overall from field goals, they struggled beyond the arc with only seventeen percent accuracy for three-pointers. Their free throw performance stood at seventy-one percent completion rate which contributed significantly towards keeping them within striking distance throughout this closely contested match-up.
On Fresno State’s side, efficiency was key: shooting sixty-two percent from three-point land and an almost perfect ninety-six percent from free throw line certainly helped secure their victory margin. With twenty-one turnovers committed by Fresno State against Air Force’s eight turnovers showed that both teams had moments where ball control could have been better managed.
As fans look forward to future games, it is clear that there are positive takeaways for both teams from this encounter. For Air Force particularly, maintaining high levels of defensive pressure and improving long-range shooting will be areas likely focused upon during training sessions ahead.
Looking ahead for Air Force Falcons fans: mark your calendars for February 17th when your team will take on UNLV Lady Rebels at Cox Pavilion located in Las Vegas at five o'clock PM Mountain Time Zone (MT). This game promises more exciting action and can be watched live as it unfolds.