WICHITA, Kan. — The No. 14 Friends University Falcons overpowered the Hesston College Larks in a 91–69 victory this afternoon (Dec. 18), securing their 10th win of the season and extending their winning streak to six. The Falcons relied on strong rebounding, a balanced offensive attack, and pressure defense to secure the milestone victory, reaching 10 wins faster than any Friends team since the 2013–14 season.
To begin the game, a quick Hesston triple opened the scoring, but Friends answered and took over from there. The Falcons grabbed the lead at 19:42 and never trailed again, heading into halftime up 46–31. With efficient shooting (53% FG, 36% 3PT) and a lockdown defensive showing that held the Larks to 32% in the first 20 minutes.
Friends continued to dictate the tempo after the break, outscoring the Larks 45–38 in the second half. The Falcons owned the glass with a +10-rebounding margin, finishing with 47 boards, including 12 on the offensive end that led to 15 second-chance points.
Defensively, Friends forced 15 turnovers and collected nine steals, converting those Hesston turnovers into 13 points. The Falcons also dominated the interior, holding Hesston to just 14 points in the paint while producing 38 of their own. Offensively, they remained efficient throughout, shooting 48% from the field and 37% from three while knocking down 10 triples. The ball movement was a major factor as Friends assisted on 25 of their 34 made baskets, a season-high in assists for the Falcons. The bench delivered as well, contributing 37 points as the Falcons closed out a decisive 91–69 non-conference victory.
Collin Maclin led the way with a season-high 19 points, knocking down three triples, finishing just shy of a double-double with nine rebounds and four assists. Cahlese Lee posted a double-double of his own with 13 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, along with three steals. Ringo Deng joined them in double figures with 10 points and eight rebounds, while Eli Benning chipped in eight points and five assists. Al Emerllahu provided 9 points with two triples, two rebounds, one block and a steal. Randy Woolf, Jr. facilitated the offense with a team-high seven assists, while Owen Evans had a five rebound and three assist performance off the bench.
With the victory, the Falcons improve to 10–2 overall heading into the Christmas break. Friends will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 31, for their final contest of 2025, a non-conference road matchup against the Hastings College Broncos in Hastings, Nebraska. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.
