SALINA, Kan. - The No. 21 Friends University Falcons picked up a gritty 71–67 road victory over Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 6), using an efficient second-half performance and clutch plays down the stretch to claim the conference road win.  

Friends trailed 32–31 at halftime after an uneven shooting start, finishing the first half at 44.8 percent from the field and just 8.3 percent from beyond the arc. The Falcons responded by flipping the momentum after the break, shooting 55.6 percent from the field in the second half, including five made three-pointers, to outscore the Coyotes 40–35 and secure the conference road victory. Despite Kansas Wesleyan's Evens Appolon providing a strong interior presence with a team-high 17 points and six rebounds, including five offensive boards, the Falcons executed effectively in the closing minutes to claim the win.  

As a team, Friends dished out 17 assists and collected 10 steals while displaying strong execution on both ends of the floor. Despite trailing by 10 early in the second half, the Falcons showed poise and resilience, winning the battle in the paint 38–32, forcing 13 turnovers, and converting those into 15 points.  

Cahlese Lee led Friends with 16 points, four rebounds, and three steals, including two key free throws with 14 seconds left to extend the Falcons' lead. Collin Maclin added 13 points and two steals, while Eli Benning delivered a strong performance off the bench with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Randy Woolf, Jr. turned in a well-rounded effort with six points, a team-high five rebounds, and a team-leading seven assists. Jackson Swartz contributed eight points and four rebounds, supporting a bench unit that totaled 25 points. 

Friends will return home to the Garvey Center on Wednesday (Dec. 10) to face the Tabor College Bluejays. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m.