Solid Defensive Effort Propels Eagle's to Victory
The Eagle men used one of their best defensive efforts so far this year to defeat visiting Emmaus Bible College Tuesday night. Faith won by a final of 71-49, and moves to 13-4 on the year with the win.
Faith came out defensive minded from the opening tip, as over the first 14 minutes of the game Emmaus was only able to muster 4 points. Faith's lead at that point was 27-4, and the Eagles didn't look back, going into the locker room up 31-17. The second half was more of the same, with Faith stretching the lead to as much as 31 points on their way to the 71-49 victory.
Faith struggled overall on the offensive end inside the arc, going just 14 of 40. However, a 12 for 26 effort from behind the arc helped the Eagles overcome their shooting woes. Faith was able to hold Emmaus to 20% from the floor in the first half and 30% on the night, while forcing 14 turnovers which they converted into 24 points. Faith also outrebounded Emmaus 42-31
No one for Faith played more than 23 minutes, and all 12 men dressed played at least 5 minutes. The Eagles were led in scoring by Ryan Kupferschmid, who scored 22 points including 7/9 from behind the arc. Josh Bray and Aaron Leistikow each finished in double digits as well, scoring 12 apiece, while a total of 9 Eagles found their way into the scoring column for Faith. Bray and Jon Luke Talton handed out 4 each of the Eagles 19 assists, while Leistikow grabbed 2 steals and Eric Young grabbed 8 rebounds.
The Eagles play their final weekend home game on Friday night, when they will host Association Free Lutheran Bible School. That game will be part of the Eagles annual High School Invitational Tournament, and will also be senior night for captains Eric Young and Jon Rocha. The game is set to begin at 8pm, with the seniors receiving recognition before tip off.