Eye Opener

A big win Wednesday Night for the Air Force Mens Basketball Team. They edged a very good Utah State Aggie squad 73-72 in the conference opener for both teams. Have to admit,I did not have a good feeling before the game. Even without suspended center Jarred Shaw the Aggies are an excellent team with a veteran coach. But it was the Falcons who played with moxie and courage, wiping out a 9 point second half defecit, and then shutting down the Aggies on their final possession. Coach Dave Pilipovich made 2 brilliant moves in the second half. First, the Air Force started going hard to the glass every possession. They got fouls, 3 point plays, and points and Utah States defense got very tired. 2nd, with the Aggies having the ball and 11 second left, Pilipovich had his team switch men on screens within their zone defense. Utah States Spencer Butterfield, an excellent shooter, never got close to touching the ball. Preston Medlin, his teammate, an outstanding player, got the ball at the top of the key but had no room to shoot because of the defensive strategy. That left it in the hands of a Freshman Jalen Moore, who played a solid game, but wasn't the guy you wanted to take a game winning shot, and especially a 3 pointer, when all they needed was a 2 to win. From a confidence standpoint this win is off the charts for the young Falcons squad. Great start to conference play, but there's a lot of games to go.