WICHITA, Kan. -- The Friends University Falcons were victorious for the sixth straight time in conference play behind a season-high 27 points from Taylor Jackson, winning 86-77 win over the Southwestern College Lady Builders this evening (Jan. 15) inside the Garvey Center. The Falcons remain in the second spot in the KCAC at 9-2 in the league, one game behind front-runner Kansas Wesleyan University. 

Heading into tonight's game, head coach Dean Jaderston noted the Falcons size could be the difference, and that proved true throughout. The Falcons outrebounded the Lady Builders 59-40 overall with a huge margins of 44-18 in points in the paint and 23-11 in second chance scoring. 

Lauryn McIver was the offensive catalyst early, scoring 11 straight Falcon points to spark a 14-2 burst that turned a 6-6 tie into a 20-8 Falcon lead in the first quarter. 

The Falcons led 26-14 after one period, but Kennedy Ford scored the first five points of the second to bring Southwestern within seven. 

Still up by seven at 29-22, the Falcons gained further separation as Jadyn Glasgow nailed a three to cap a 9-0 spurt that pushed the lead to 16 with 6:06 left in the opening half. 

But the Lady Builders made another push and outscored the Falcons 14-4 the rest of the half to come within 42-36 at the break. 

Southwestern also hung tight in the third quarter and twice climbed within one possession, only to have Jackson score two buckets to end the period and give the Falcons a 65-57 lead heading to the fourth. 

Jackson continued her offensive barrage and converted a three-point play to open the final quarter and stretch the Falcon lead back to double-figures. 

The Lady Builders though refused to go quietly and used a 9-0 spurt to claw within 75-74, the closest the game had been since it was 6-6 early in the first quarter. 

But two timely free throws and a score from Jackson with a bucket from McIver sandwiched between pushed the Falcon lead back to seven with 1:41 remaining. 

After a three by Ford brought Southwestern back within four, Kori Babcock and Kyla Frenchers each hit two critical free throws to help the Falcons stave off the Lady Builders. 

"Southwestern came to play tonight," said Jaderston. "We have been focused on defending the three in recent games, but tonight we struggled to do so consistently and they made us pay. A big post presence was the difference down the stretch."

Jackson hit 11 of 16 from the field and 5-of-9 at the charity stripe to finish with her highest point total since her freshman season while securing 17 rebounds, including six offensive boards. Jackson also recorded four blocks for the Falcons. McIver contributed significantly with 20 points, shooting 8 for 15 from the field and adding three assists and two steals to her performance. Abigail Barr was effective on the glass, pulling down 11 rebounds, with six on the offensive end while scoring 10 points. 

For Southwestern,  Ford led the way with 21 points and made five 3-pointers. Macey Pond scored 20 points, highlighted by six 3-pointers for the Lady Builders. Christy Wiebe led the team with 17 rebounds and scored 15 points.  Jerranay Echols finished with a game-high five assists for the Lady Builders.

**Game Notes:**
- The Falcons will next hit the road and play at Bethany College Saturday evening (Jan. 18) at 5 pm in Lindsborg, Kan.