GETTING INSIDE
A positive sign for Air Force thus far is how players will come up with a big game when an opportunity presents itself.
The latest example is junior forward Tom Fow, who posted career-high point totals in back-to-back games with leading scorer Grant Parker sidelined with a groin injury.
Fow scored 15 points against Northern Arizona and then exploded for 30 points three nights later against UC Davis. Fow hit 8 of 13 shots and made 6 of 9 3-point attempts against the Aggies.
“It was definitely a hot shooting night but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” Fow said. “My teammates were out there setting screens and getting me open. Coach said to knock down open shots, and that’s what I did.”
Yes, coach Jeff Reynolds was more than pleased with Fow’s production.
“Every shot he took was pretty much wide open, and he’s a very good shooter,” Reynolds said. “The thing I was most impressed about Tom Fow was that he rebounded the ball and played the best defensive game he’s played all year.”
Fow, who grabbed seven rebounds, became the first Air Force player to score 30 points in a game since Tim Anderson tallied 30 against Wake Forest early in the 2007-08 season.
Also against UC Davis, senior center Mike McLain posted career high for points (12) and rebounds (nine) in his best all-around effort of the season.
Earlier this season, freshman guard Michael Lyons had a 25-point game against Washington State in his lone start of the season.
NOTES, QUOTES
• Air Force is keeping alive its tradition of playing stellar defense. The Falcons allowed an average of 59.9 points in their first 10 games, the best among the nine Mountain West Conference teams. Opponents are shooting just 39.9 percent from the field.
• The Falcons have struggled to shoot free throws this season, making just 64.9 percent. Senior center Mike McLain (39.1 percent) and sophomore forward Taylor Stewart (38.5 percent) have been the biggest culprits.
January At A Glance: Getting everyone healthy is a must for Air Force (6-4) with Mountain West Conference play on the horizon. The Falcons lack the athleticism of the league’s better teams and can’t afford to be without a key player or two. Senior forward Grant Parker (17.1 points per game) was off to a great start before suffering a groin injury, and Air Force badly needs him back on the court.
Quote To Note: “We’re not the only team in the country that has injuries. That’s just part of college basketball. I don’t think that was the reason we lost, and we’ve just got to find a way to battle through it.”—Air Force coach Jeff Reynolds, after his team lost to Northern Arizona with starters Grant Parker and Sammy Schafer both sidelined.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
Season Recap: The Falcons have done a good job not letting injuries kill their spirits, but they keep getting tripped up by teams with “Northern” in their names. Air Force was humbled by a Dec. 19 home loss to Northern Arizona and its most disastrous game of the season was a 24-point home loss to Northern Colorado on Nov. 21.
Player Rotation: Usual Starters—F Taylor Stewart, F Tom Fow, C Mike McLain, G Avery Merriex, G Evan Washington. Key Subs—G Michael Lyons, G Shawn Hempsey, G Todd Fletcher, C Taylor Broekhuis.
Game Review:
Washington State 75, Air Force 68
Northern Arizona 60, Air Force 52
Air Force 69, UC Davis 57
Game Preview:
vs. Niagara, Monday, Dec. 28 at El Paso, Texas
vs. Norfolk State or Texas-El Paso, Tuesday, Dec. 29 at El Paso, Texas
vs. Texas-Pan American, Saturday, Jan. 2
at TCU, Wednesday, Jan. 6
at Colorado State, Saturday Jan. 9
In Focus: The Falcons will look for momentum entering conference play and hope the tournament setting in El Paso will help create some. Their final tune-up prior to league play against Texas-Pan American will be a good time to check out a rotation that has often been in scramble-mode due to injuries.
Roster Report:
• Senior F Grant Parker has missed the past three games because of a groin injury.
• Sophomore C Sammy Schafer (concussion) is still experiencing headaches and has missed seven consecutive games. He likely won’t return to action until Jan. 6 at the earliest.
• Junior F Derek Brooks made his season debut against Northern Arizona on Dec. 19. Brooks suffered a foot injury last December and was recently cleared to return.
