OTTAWA, Kan. - The No. 24 Friends University Falcons outlasted the [RV] Dordt University Defenders tonight (Nov. 7), 78-75, in a tightly contested match up to open play at the Ottawa Classic. 

The Falcons took a 30-25 lead into halftime, and both teams turned up the offense in the second half with Dordt erupting for 50 points, while Friends countered with 48. Despite the scoring surge, it was the Falcons' defensive intensity that proved decisive. The Falcons forced 23 turnovers and racked up an impressive 19 steals in the game, led by Eli Benning, who recorded a game-high 12 steals.   

Offensively, the Falcons showed solid ball movement with 17 assists to just 10 turnovers, good for a 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio. They finished the game shooting 42.7% from the field, and 39.1% from the three-point range. 

Randy Woolf, Jr. led the charge with 19 points (3-of-4 from three), five rebounds, and drilled the game-winning three-pointer with 1.6 seconds remaining to seal the victory for the Falcons. Collin Maclin filled the stat sheet with 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals, while Benning had a massive impact off the bench, recording 10 points, 12 steals, and six assists. Devin Davis also provided a spark with 10 points and four rebounds. Even with some struggles at the free-throw line, the Falcons overcame and made timely plays down the stretch to claim the 78-75 win over Dordt. 

The Falcons have a quick turnaround from the evening thriller, taking on the William Woods University Owls tomorrow (Nov. 8) for the final game of the Ottawa Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. in Ottawa, Kansas.