Young Men's Team Still Learning

The young Eagle men's team, with seven of the ten new to varsity college basketball, took on Emmaus Bible College on Saturday and played an exhibition contest with Grand View University this past Tuesday. The Eagles came up short in both games, and are 0-2 on the year.

In Saturday's game, the Eagles struggles with turnovers continued. Faith held an early 9-6 lead, but some turnovers allowed Emmaus to make a quick runt to lead 22-13. Faith responded with a run of their own to tie it back at 22 apiece with six minutes left in the first half, but the Eagles youth then showed. Over the next six minutes the Eagles would turn the ball over seven times and committ three fouls on the offensive end. Emmaus took advantage, turning turnovers into layups and fouls into freethrow as they ended the half on a 23-3 run to take a 20 point 45-25 halftime lead. Out of the break Emmaus scored two quick baskets to increase the lead to 24. Faith finally settled down, chipping away at the lead to pull within seven with three minutes to play. Unfortunately, on the next three Eagles possessions, poor shot selection resulted in missed shots, with Emmaus able to convert on the other end to put the game out of reach. Faith fell by a 56-74 final. 

Faith travelled to Grand View University on Tuesday, and for much of the first half was in the game. With about five minutes left the Eagles trailed Grand View by 10, but Faith struggled to get back in transition, while also turning the ball over three times to allow Grand View to push the lead to 16 at the break. Faith hoped to come out and make a quick run to start the second half to cut the lead back to single digits, but five turnovers in the first five minutes quickly ended any hope of remaining in the game as Grand View pushed the lead to 27. Both teams then emptied their benches for the remainder of the game as the Eagles fell 51-100.

Faith will return to action at home on Friday when they will open conference play with perennial conference powerhouse Manhattan Christian College. Following the game will be the opening round of the annual Glory Days alumni and friends basketball tournament. Saturday morning will feature tournament pool and championship play, followed by the men's and women's games with conference opponent Barclay College at 1 and 3 PM respectively.