Air Force Tops Texas State, 78-71

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force men’s basketball picked up its first win of the season, defeating Texas State, 78-71, Saturday afternoon at Clune Arena.  The Falcons (1-1) made 12 three’s on the day with senior Sid Tomes leading the team with 19 points.

Air Force took the lead five minutes in on a Tomes three and never looked back.  The Falcons built as big as a nine point lead in the first-half, ultimately taking a 35-30 lead at the half. 

Air Force got up by as many as 14 points early in the second half, but Texas State rallied back to make the game close.  The Bobcats got to within four points in the second half and was as close as five points with under five minutes to play.

The Falcons were able to pull away however, with big back-to-back three’s by AJ Walker and Tomes, for a 70-61 lead with 3:11 to go. 

Four players reached double-figures in scoring for the Falcons with five players making multiple three’s.  Tomes was one shy of his career-high, knocking down 6 of 8 from the field and 3 of 5 from three-point range.  The senior also led the Falcons with four assists.  Lavelle Scottie followed with 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Walker scored 12 points and junior Chris Joyce added 11.  Ryan Swan just missed double figures with nine points and four rebounds.  Junior guard Keaton Van Soelen led the bench with nine points and six boards.  Van Soelen also made a three and went 4 of 4 from the free throw line.

Mason Harrell led three Bobcats in double figures with 15 points. 

The Falcons shot 45.8 percent from the field on the day and 46.2 percent from three.  Air Force was 71 percent from the line.  The Falcons also out-rebounded Texas State 38-33.

Air Force returns to action Nov. 12 at Army.