Monday, January 7, 2013

Conference Play Begins Wednesday



    We will find out how much better the Air Force Mens Basketball team is in a hurry as Mountain West play begins Wednesday January 9th against Nevada. The Falcons are 8-4 going in, having beaten the teams they should have beaten, and lost to the teams many did not give them a chance to get past. Depending on who you talk to,  the Mountain West is either the 2nd or 3rd toughest conference in the nation, and with good reason, when you look at UNLV, New Mexico, San Diego State Wyoming, Colorado State and Boise State. So the Falcons could be better but because of the quality of the league, it may not show up in the standings
   But at the moment, what should concern the Falcons the most is.....well....the Falcons. They were blown out by Richmond last week 91-68 in a game that exposed several weaknesses. The Spiders came out in a tough man to man and dared Air Force to drive to the glass, thus shutting down the Falcons vaunted 3 point attack. And on defense Richmond ran their offense and ran the Falcon defense into the ground, finishing the night with 16 3 pointers. 
   This Air Force is team is better. They are deeper, better shooters, and experienced. But they need to push themselves every conference game, because there will be no nights off in conference play. It's time to get down and dirty, and when teams play with that mindset the Falcons must respond in kind. Otherwise it may be a long winter at Clune Arena.