York, Neb. – The Friends University Falcons pushed the York University Panthers as much as possible before coming up just short in a tough 63-59 decision in KCAC action tonight (Feb. 21) in York, Neb.

The Panthers built a double-digit lead by the 11:17 mark of the opening half and led by as much as 14 before settling for a 35-26 lead at the break.

After two threes by Drew Patterson helped the Falcons close within 41-40, Trevon Dennis responded with a three for York to spark a 9-2 spurt and put the Panthers back up by eight with 11:43 left in the game.

The Falcons then made their move, methodically chipping away and finally taking their first lead of the game on seven straight points from KJ Spiller that made it 57-55 with 5:49 remaining.

York scored on its next two possessions to retake the lead, but Tim Barbieri hit a jumper with 4:13 left to tie the score again.

On the next possession, Andrew Bennett hit two free throws to put the Panthers back on top, but the offense dried up for both teams over the next three plus minutes.

It was still a two-point lead for the Panthers until Dwight Glover split two free throws with 10 seconds left to make it 62-59.

Still down just one possession, Spiller missed the front end of a one and one with 4.7 seconds left and DJ Leaks then hit the second free throw to put the game away for the Panthers.

Spiller led the Falcons (8-18, 5-16 KCAC) with 15 points and had three assists, with Kee'on Hutton scoring 11.  Barbieri and Steele Chapman each had six rebounds and Collin Maclin also recorded three assists.

Bennett paced the Panthers (11-16, 9-12 KCAC) with 15 points and 12 boards, while Glover also had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds along with three assists. Leaks also reached double-figure scoring with 11 points for York.

Friends was outrebounded 40-35, but managed to outshoot the Panthers by a slim 39.7 percent to 39.2 percent margin.

Next up, the Falcons will tangle with Avila University for Senior Day Saturday afternoon (Feb. 24) at 3 pm inside the Garvey Center.

Purchase tickets and catch the Falcons' last game of the 2023-24 campaign!