Air Force Falls to Grand Canyon in Competitive Showdown.

In a closely contested matchup, the Air Force Falcons were unable to overcome the Grand Canyon Lopes, falling 81-57 in a game marked by strong shooting performances from Grand Canyon and a struggling night for Air Force. The Falcons were led by Ethan Greenberg, who scored 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Kam Sanders added 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, demonstrating his all-around impact, while Lucas Hobin contributed 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Despite these efforts, Air Force struggled to maintain offensive efficiency, finishing the game shooting 39% from the field and 29% from three-point range. The team’s bench added a modest contribution, led by Riley Dering with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Grand Canyon, on the other hand, executed efficiently on offense, shooting 52% from the field. Makaih Williams and Brian Moore Jr. each scored 15 points, with Moore also hitting 2-of-3 from three-point range and grabbing 3 rebounds. Jaden Henley added 13 points and 6 assists, while Nana Owusu-Anane posted 7 points and 7 rebounds, anchoring the team defensively. The Lopes bench contributed significantly, with Dusty Stromer scoring 10 points and Wilhelm Breidenbach adding 4 points and 6 rebounds.

Rebounding proved a key factor in the game. Grand Canyon dominated the boards with 36 total rebounds compared to Air Force’s 28, including 11 offensive rebounds that generated second-chance opportunities. Turnovers also played a role, as Air Force committed 18 giveaways while Grand Canyon had only 10, allowing the Lopes to control the pace and transition opportunities.

Defensively, the Falcons struggled to contain the Lopes’ sharpshooters, especially in the first half when Grand Canyon established a lead that Air Force could not overcome. While Air Force showed flashes of strong defense and hustle, the Lopes’ balanced scoring and efficient shooting proved decisive.

The Falcons will look to rebound in their next matchup, aiming to improve shooting consistency and reduce turnovers. Grand Canyon continues to showcase its depth and efficiency, positioning itself as a team to watch as the season progresses.