Men Open Season with Road Victory

The Eagle men opened their 2014-2015 with a win on the road at Union College (Lincoln, NE). Faith won by a final of 91-61 to open the season at 1-0.

Faith jumped out of the chutes, opening the game with a 7-0 run to force a Union timeout. The Warriors got their legs under them out of that timeout, stringing together a 13-4 run to take a temporary 13-11 lead. Union maintained that lead until a Ryan Kupferschmid three for the Eagles gave them the lead back at 19-18. The Eagles got a stop on their next possession and Kupferschmid hit another three to push the lead to four with nine to play in the half. The Eagles then slowly built the lead from there as they took a 12 point 51-39 lead into the break. 

Coming out of halftime, the Eagles were more determined defensively, with the result being a 12-0 run to start the half, ballooning the lead to 63-39 and forcing another Union timeout. There would be no defensive or offensive let down for Faith in the second half, though, as they held Union to 29% from the floor in the second half. Faith led by as many as 32 as everyone got in on the action, and the Eagles won by the final 30 point spread.

The Eagles had four men score in double digits, with Jon Luke Talton leading with 23 points, five assists, and four steals. Cody Chaffin chipped in 15 points, while Ryan Kupferschmid added 14 including 4/6 from behind the arc. Aaron Leistikow had a solid all around game, nearly recording a triple double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and seven asssist. The Eagles shot 47% from the floor and 44% from behind the arc in the win, while holding Union to 39% from the floor and 27% from behind the arc. Faith outrebounded Unon 46-22 and handed out 23 assists while forcing 15 turnovers.

The Eagles return to action for their home opener weekend this Friday and Saturday. Faith will face two very strong opponents in Barclay College (Friday) and defending conference champion Manhattan Chrsitian (Saturday). Friday's game is local church night, and anyone attending the game who presents a bulletin or mentions the promotion will be admitted for $1 ($3 for a family). Both games will be carried live on the Eagles website.