Turnovers, Fouls, Overshadow Betz's Huge Night

Senior Tyler Betz's 37 points and 30 rebounds weren't enough as the Eagle men dropped their first conference road game of the season last night, falling to host Nebraska Christian College 69-78. The Eagles are still winless on the year. 

Early on Faith looked good, jumping out to a quick 6-2 lead as they executed well offensively while forcing outside shots on the defensive end. Nebraska responded with a 9-0 run, however, which was fueled by three Eagles turnovers, giving the Parsons an 11-6 lead. Faith pulled back within one at 10-11, but two more turnovers and a shooting foul gave Nebraska a 7-0 run to take an eight point lead. Faith continued to struggle to take care of the ball or execute offensively for the rest of the half, and Nebraska took advantage, leading 39-22 with two and a half minutes left in the half. Faith was able to get a couple points back, as they went in to the half down 14, 28-42. Faith came out inspired to start the second half, opening with a 13-2 run to pull within three, 41-44. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Eagles would get, as fouls began to mount up and the Eagles fell 69-78. Although Faith scored five more baskets than Nebraska and outrebounded them 47-23, the Eagles couldn't overcome a big disparity from the free-throw line, as Nebraska was 23/33 from the line, while Faith was only awarded 12 free-throws total on the night.

Betz finished with 37 points, 30 rebounds, which ties the school record for most rebounds in a game, five assists, one steal and one block. Dillon Gingerich added 18 points for the Eagles. Faith hits the road this weekend for two regional games in North Dakota. Faith will face defending regional champion Trinity Bible College on their home court on Friday night at 8 PM, then will face off against region foe Providence University College at Trinity on Saturday at 2 PM. Both games will be available via the Eagles live video feed.