WICHITA, Kan. -- The Friends University Falcons outscored the University of Saint Mary Spires 46-26 in the second half to overcome a 15-point halftime deficit and win 72-67 in KCAC action this evening (Jan. 29) inside the Garvey Center. The Falcons remain two games behind Kansas Wesleyan University for the top spot in the conference with a 12-3 league record. 

Saint Mary controlled the opening half, using a 13-2 run to lead by 13 late in the first quarter ahead of a buzzer-beating jumper by Taylor Jackson to make it 25-14. 

The Spires remained in command in the second period, leading by as much as 16 and carried a 41-26 edge into the break. 

Abigail Barr got the Falcons going in the third period, scoring six points to fuel a 9-2 spurt to open the second half and cut the deficit to eight at the 6:28 mark. 

Now trailing by seven, Rayland Garner scored to bring the Falcons within firm striking distance at 52-47 heading to the fourth period. 

Barr started the final period much like she did the third, scoring consecutive buckets to bring the Falcons within one point, the closest the game had been since it was 10-9 at the 4:15 mark of the first quarter. 

After Alanis Delgado scored to push the Spire lead to three, it was short-lived as another score by Barr and two free throws from Lauryn McIver gave the Falcons their first lead of the night. 

Following three lead changes, Jackson scored to kick off a 9-0 spurt that Barr capped with a big three-point play to make it 66-58 with 1:13 left. The Falcons came up big on the defensive end during that surge, forcing the Spires into five straight misses. 

Friends had to hold on though, as the Spires twice pulled within three down the stretch, but McIver went 4-of-4 at the charity stripe over the final 20 seconds to seal the victory for the Falcons. 

"We came out a little flat in the first half…maybe a hangover from the Kansas Wesleyan game," said Friends women's basketball head coach Dean Jaderston.  "I thought our defensive effort and execution in the second half was completely different. We also got focused on what was working offensively and had huge performances from Abby Barr, Taylor Jackson, and Lauryn McIver at the offensive end. It was a great team win."

Barr powered the Falcons (14-7, 12-3 KCAC) with a career-high 28 points and also had 10 rebounds. McIver scored 22 and was efficient from the free-throw line, making 11 of 13 attempts.  Jackson was another top performer, recording a double-double of 19 points and 12 boards. She also led the team in blocks with three. Sadie Hopman also blocked two shots in the game.

Alanis Delgado led the Spires (9-12, 8-6 KCAC) with 19 points, while Keely Barnard and Addison Schletzbaum each scored 10. 

The Falcons held a 46-37 advantage overall in rebounding, with a 16-11 edge on the offensive glass. 

**Game Notes**

- The Falcons will next play at Avila University Saturday afternoon (Feb. 1) at 1 pm in Kansas City, Mo.