Box Score Salina, Kan. – The (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes slipped past the Friends University Falcons 73-69 in a matchup of the KCAC's top two teams this evening (Jan. 25) in Salina, Kan. The Falcons remain second in the KCAC at 11-3 in the league, but fall two games behind KWU for the top spot. 

Trailing 67-66 after a field goal by Taylor Jackson, the Falcons fell behind by five on scores from Hampton Williams and Angel Lee that provided the Coyotes some separation. 

The two teams exchanged buckets before Kori Babcock split a pair of free throws and Abigail Barr secured an offensive rebound, but the Falcons failed to score as the Coyotes held on for the win. 

The Falcons got off to a strong start, leading 14-10 after one quarter and stretching out to a nine-point edge of 24-15 on a score by Lauryn McIver at the 6:51 mark of the second period. 

Friends led 34-31 at the break and maintained a small lead until the Coyotes pulled even at 42-42 with 5:52 left in the third. 

The Falcons built back up to a 48-44 lead until five straight points from Odessa Ozuna finished an 8-2 spurt to give the Coyotes their first lead of the game at the 2:15 mark of the third quarter. 

The two teams then exchanged four-point runs that left KWU with a 56-55 lead heading into the fourth period. 

Barr scored to open the fourth quarter to briefly give the Falcons a one-point lead, but the Coyotes scored the next six to take a lead they wouldn't relinquish the rest of the way. 

Taylor Jackson led the Falcons (13-7, 11-3 KCAC) with a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds along with three blocked shots.  McIver scored 18 and Barr added 14 points with eight rebounds, including six offensive boards. 

Angel Lee paced the Coyotes (17-3, 13-1 KCAC) with 22 points and Paige Chauncey recorded a double-double with 10 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Ozuna added 11 points and LaMyah Ricks chipped in with 10 points for KWU. 

The Falcons will next return home and host the University of Saint Mary Spires Wednesday evening (Jan. 29) at 6 pm inside the Garvey Center.