WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons overcame the Bethany College Swedes for a 79-72 victory tonight (Feb. 3) in a KCAC matchup inside the Garvey Center.
The first nine minutes of the game was nip and tuck until the Falcons clamped down and outscored the Swedes 15-1 during a decisive eight minute stretch that turned a three-point deficit into an 11-point lead of 33-22 with 5:26 left in the first half.
The Falcons led 41-32 at the break and promptly extended that edge to what would be their biggest of the night on a three-point play by Steve Staco.
Bethany then made their move as JD Carson hit a three to finish an 11-0 run and cut the Falcon lead to just one at 44-43 at the 13:56 mark of the second half.
Friends had an answer in KJ Spiller, who scored twice to key a 7-0 spurt and push the lead back up to eight points.
Bethany didn't go quietly and eventually climbed within 61-58 with 4:44 left in the game.
But as was the theme of the night, the Falcons withstood any push by the Swedes and got consecutive buckets from Tim Barbieri and Spiller for a seven-point cushion with 3:49 left.
After the Swedes cut the lead down to five with 1:24 remaining, Barbieri hit a big shot and the Falcons made 7-of-8 at the free throw line to seal the win.
"This was a big win for the guys," said Friends men's basketball head coach Phil McClintock. "It wasn't a smooth night by any means but our guys were able to stick with it and got a much needed win."
Spiller powered the Falcon victory with a strong double-double of 20 points and a career-high 14 rebounds along with a team-leading four assists. Barbieri finished with 18 points and Al Emerllahu chipped in with 11 points and nine boards for the Falcons (8-13, 5-11 KCAC).
Bethany (3-18, 2-14 KCAC) was led by 18 points from Maurice Cudjo II and 16 points from Devin Spencer. Noah Simiskey had 10 points and a game-high five assists for the Swedes.
The Falcons were narrowly outshot from the field, but dominated the interior with a huge 49-26 edge in rebounding.
Friends will next travel to Ottawa, Kan. to play the Ottawa University Braves Wednesday night (Feb. 7) at 8 pm.
