WINFIELD, Kan. – The No. 14 Friends University Falcons dropped a hard-fought road contest to the Southwestern College Moundbuilders, 74–71, on Wednesday night (Jan.14). Friends battled a gritty Southwestern squad but could not capitalize at the free-throw line, shooting 16-of-26 (61.5%), as the Moundbuilders pulled out the narrow win. 

Friends battled Southwestern from the opening tip, keeping the game close throughout the first half. The Falcons never led but stayed within striking distance, as the Moundbuilders' advantage reached as high as eight points. Friends cut the deficit to four by halftime, trailing 40–36, behind Cahlese Lee, who scored 11 points in the first half. 

The second half remained tightly contested, with Friends taking a slim three-point lead around the 15-minute mark. However, Southwestern stayed poised and never allowed the Falcons to pull away. The Moundbuilders capitalized on timely shot-making, key offensive rebounds, and clutch free throws in the final seconds to secure a four-point victory over Friends. 

The Falcons were led by Cahlese Lee, who poured in 18 points while knocking down four three-pointers to go along with three rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block. Eli Benning provided a strong spark off the bench, scoring 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting while adding two rebounds and a steal. 

Ringo Deng contributed across the stat sheet with eight points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block. Randy Woolf, Jr. came just shy of a double-double, finishing with nine points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. 

Offensively, Friends shot 41.1% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. The Falcons recorded 15 assists on 23 made field goals and committed just five turnovers. The bench played a key role, combining for 21 points. 

Defensively, Friends forced 11 Southwestern turnovers, converting them into 11 points, and finished the game with six steals. 

The Falcons move to 8–3 in KCAC play and 13–4 overall. Friends returns home to the Garvey Center on Saturday (Jan. 17) to face the Bethany College Swedes. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.