Record Tying Performance Leads Eagles to Victory

Senior Tyler Betz set a new collegiate career high and tied the school's non-exhibition single game scoring mark this past Saturday in the Eagles road win at Association Free Lutheran Bible School (AFLBS). Betz netted 47 points, tying the mark set by Luke Caster in anovertime game against Vennard college in 2007. The Eagles won 75-68, closing out the semester with a win and an overall mark of 2-10.

The game was even for the first 10 minutes, as the Eagles held a tenuous 18-17 lead. Faith's offensive struggles reared their ugly head again over the next four minutes, as AFLBS took advantage of two Faith turnovers and 1/6 shooting to lead 30-20 with six minutes left in the first half. Faith showed resolve, though, responding with their own 14-4 run to tie the game back up a 34 apiece. AFLBS was able to regain the lead into the break at 42-39, and led 46-45 four minutes into the second half, before Faith was able to use a full court press to finally gain the lead and find some separation. With just over eight and a half minutes to play, the Eagles led by seven, 58-51, and looked to be in control, but AFLBS had one more run in them, as they took advantage of three Faith turnovers to tie the game back up at 58 apiece. The game remained tight for the next three minutes before Faith was able to make what was the game deciding run over the last four minutes. Faith put together an 8-0 run to lead 72-64 with one minute to play and made just enough free throws to pull out the win, 75-68.

Betz scored 47 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, handed out six assists, and managed three blocks in the win. Cooper Rodman grabbed four steals and the Eagles got good contributions off the bench from freshmen Jason Scheps and Justin Keck. Scheps was the second leading scorer for the Eagles with nine points, while Keck grabbed two steals, including an important one late in the game during the Eagles eight point run to put the game out of reach. Sophomore Eric Young had a solid night for the Eagles as well, as he grabbed 11 rebounds, handed out five assists, and grabbed three steals. Young took an important charge late in the half to break up and AFLBS run.

Faith is now off for the semester break, and will return to action on Tuesday, January 15, for a 7:00 PM matchup with Union College in Lincoln, NE.