Men's Basketball Falls in First Round of Faith Classic

ANKENY, Iowa—A strong second half wasn't enough for Faith to overcome a 20-point halftime deficit as the Eagles dropped their second consecutive game Friday night in a 91-84 loss to Providence in the first round of the Faith Classic.

Faith was ice-cold in the first half, while Providence seemingly couldn't miss. The Eagles shot just 23.3% from the field, while the Pilots shot an even 50%, including 7-of-16 from three-point distance as they built a 20-point lead going into halftime.

Providence held a 27-point lead (68-41) with 11:47 remaining in the game when Faith came to life offensively. The Eagles gradually chipped away, cutting the lead to six with a 1:30 to play. Providence sealed the victory at the free-throw line in the final minute.

Nathan Keck had another great game for Faith, leading all scorers with 33 points. Jayce Goergen and Kalab Sidlinger also scored in double figures with 15 and 14 respectively.

The Eagles (2-2) conclude the Faith Classic on Saturday with a game against Trinity Bible College (2-4) at 4:00 p.m.