HASTINGS, Neb. — The No. 14 Friends University Falcons held off the second half surge from the Hastings College Broncos to capture an 80-72 road victory. The win extends the Falcons' winning streak to seven, and Friends will take an 11-2 overall record into 2026. 

Friends set the tone early, knocking down nine three-pointers in the first half and building a 44-32 lead at the break. Cahlese Lee sparked the Falcons' offense with 13 first half points, shooting 5-for-6 from the floor and knocking down three three-pointers. Friends shot an efficient 54.8 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes.  

Hastings responded with a strong second-half push, trimming the deficit to single digits behind a balanced scoring effort. However, the Falcons made key free-throws down the stretch to hold off the comeback attempt and secure the road win. 

Lee led all scorers with 22 points, knocking down four three-pointers while adding three assists. Ringo Deng delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing just shy of a double-double with 13 points, nine rebounds including four on the offensive glass, six assists, and a steal. Eli Benning contributed 11 points off the bench, while Collin Maclin chipped in 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Randy Woolf, Jr. added nine points on three made three-pointers and pulled down six rebounds. The Falcons' bench provided a crucial boost, accounting for 24 points overall. 

Friends finished the game shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 44.0 percent from three-point range, while forcing 12 Hastings turnovers and converting them into 15 points. The Falcons also recorded 18 assists and out-rebounded the Broncos 39–29. 

With the win, Friends heads into the new year riding a seven-game winning streak and an 11–2 overall record. The Falcons return to action on Saturday (Jan. 3) to open 2026 with a KCAC matchup against the Ottawa University Braves at the Garvey Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.