Solid Second Half Leads to Eagle Win

Facing Association Free Lutheran Bible School (AFLBS) for the third time this year, the Eagle men knew they would be in for a tough game. Faith had been fortunate to come out on top in the two previous meetings, of which both games were decided by seven points or less, and their third contest was no different. After a tough shooting first half, the Eagles rebounded with a methodical second half on both ends of the court to build a lead and then hold on for the 72-65 win, which is the Eagles first at the ACCA National Tournament. The win improves Faith to 12-18 on the year, and sends them to the 10:45 AM contest Saturday against conference foe Calvary Bible College. 

Faith started the game well, building an early 8-2 lead five minutes into the game. The Eagles had a chance to increase that lead over the next three minutes as AFLBS struggled to score. Unfortunately, Faith had the same struggles, going 0/4 with a turnover in a failed bid to take early control of the game. AFLBS found their range, as they began to knock down outside shots that eventually led to a 15-14 AFLBS lead with seven and a half minutes to play. Faith quickly took the lead back and held it until AFLBS tied it up at 20 apiece with just over four to play. Over the closing four minutes, AFLBS hit four threes and finished the half with a 13-8 run to lead 33-28 going into the half. AFLBS went 7/11 from behind the arc in the first half, while the Eagles shot just 32% from the floor.

Out of the break, AFLBS held that lead for the first five minutes of the half. Faith did not go away, though, putting together a 10-0 run over the next three minutes to take their own five point lead with twelve minutes left in the game. Faith maintained their lead for the next four minutes, with AFLBS trailing by one with eight and a half to play. Again Faith was able to put together an offensive run, scoring 13 to ALFBS' two points to lead by twelve with three minutes to play. AFLBS did not go down without a fight, trimming the Eagle's lead to five with 45 seconds to play. The Eagles scored on their next possession, then made free throws to close out the game for the 72-65 win.

Tyler Betz led the Eagles with 24 points and 22 rebounds. Dillon Gingerich added 17 points while grabbing two steals. Josh Whitlow added 10 points, while Eric Young handend out four assists. The win gives the Eagles a chance to finish ninth in the nation with a win against Calvary Bible College. Calvary got the best of the Eagles when they met two weeks ago in the consolation bracket of the MCCC tournament. The game will tip at 10:45 AM on Saturday.