Fruits of Their Labor

Air Force Mens Basketball Coach Dave Pilipovich has been saying for the last 5 weeks his team is getting better. Average followers of the Falcons probably disagreed. Yes there were close games against New Mexico, Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, San Diego State (The first time around) but the losses continued to pile up. And then a breakthrough. The Falcons, who had been 1-6 in games decided by 9 points or less, knocked off New Mexico in their second match-up, in Colorado Springs 53-49. They did so by shutting out the Lobos over the last 6:40 seconds of the game. That was followed by a beat down of Wyoming(minus Larry Nance Jr) this past Saturday 73-50. Two games does not a season make. But the signs are apparent that the Falcons are better, and are playing with more poise and confidence. But this week brings two more tests. Air Force plays red hot Boise State Wednesday night at 7 in Boise on 740 KVOR, then return home against UNLV Saturday at noon. Clearly the next proving ground is winning on the road against a team you are not supposed to beat. Its late enough in the season that the freshman are now sophomores. They have seen every team once, and they now understand the thin line between winning and losing. The upperclassman realize its the time of year when the games start to run out, and for the seniors that also means an end to their college careers. They all know enough about this Air Force team to understand they can compete with anyone. Competing is one thing...Winning is another. Air Force is better. But only by winning, will the Falcons prove it.