Leavenworth, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons outscored the University of Saint Mary Spires by 16 in the second half to turn a two-point halftime deficit into a comfortable 71-57 victory tonight (Dec. 6) in KCAC action in Leavenworth, Kan.
Trailing by six with 18:26 remaining, the Falcons made their move as a layup by Tim Barbieri and three-pointer from Steele Chapman served to ignite an 11-1 push that gave Friends its first lead since it was 20-19 at the 7:06 mark of the opening half.
After consecutive layups by Bryce Johnson temporarily tied the score, Collin Maclin put in a layup of his own to put the Falcons back on top for what turned out to be for good with 13:06 left.
Now leading 48-45, the Falcons put together the game-deciding push of the night when KJ Spiller converted a three-point play and then connected from beyond the arc to jumpstart a 19-5 burst over the next 8:40 that created a 67-50 cushion with just 2:07 remaining in the game.
The Falcons easily put the game away from there, with Chapman and Deron McDaniel each hitting two free throws over the final 1:19 to put a stamp on the win for Friends.
In the first half, the score was knotted at 11-11 when a layup from Christian Williams and dunk by Kee'on Hutton gave Friends a four-point edge.
The remainder of the half was tight throughout with three ties and three lead changes until the Spires took a 31-29 lead at the break.
"Tonight was a huge win for us," said Friends men's basketball head coach Phil McClintock. "It's our first win on the road this year as road wins are always difficult to get. We were down at half and things didn't go our way early but we stayed with it and were able to make winning plays in the second half to get the win. I'm proud of our guys staying together and showing some toughness."
Spiller scored 22 points to lead the Falcons (4-5, 2-3 KCAC) and equal his career-high output. Maclin was next with 12 points off the bench and Chapman chipped in with 10 points. Barbieri had a team-leading eight rebounds, while Maclin and Williams each recorded four assists.
Johnson had a double-double of 14 points and 11 boards to pace the Spires off the bench. Tysen Brennan added 12 points for Saint Mary (5-6, 1-4 KCAC).
Friends outrebounded Saint Mary 28-26 and were even more dominant scoring inside, outscoring the Spires 40-24 in the paint.
Looming next for the Falcons is a matchup with undefeated and No. 11-ranked Southwestern College Saturday afternoon (Dec. 9) at 3 pm inside the Garvey Center.
Don't miss the Falcons facing off with nationally-ranked Southwestern Saturday, purchase tickets NOW!!!
