Air Force vs. Pilots - Sunday 12/3 @ 1pm

Fans, this is UP's last home game until January 6...!!!

UP's game against Wyoming was fun because it was two very athletic and physical teams going toe-to-toe while racing up and down the court...that will NOT be the case when Air Force comes to the Chiles Center.

The Falcons really slow down the pace and run a set offense while frustrating their opponents into mistake and turnovers...and so far, UP is one of the worst teams in the nation in turning the ball over...

Air Force is the top defensive team in the MWC allowing just 61 points per game while holding opponents to 39% shooting, on offense they average just over 66 points.

Air Force is on a five-game winning streak and own a record of 6-2, all against D1 opponents, with a KP rating of #195.  After UP's downing of the Cowboys, the team is now 3-3 in D1 play and ranked #165.

The Falcons generally play a 7-man rotation, but they live at over 6,000 feet in elevation and are as fit as in team in the country.

A couple of guys to watch are #5 6-5 Ethan Taylor (18 points and 6 rebounds per game) and #14 6-7 Beau Becker (15 points and 6 rebounds per game).  Both of these young men are juniors, which means they have committed to at least 5-years of active duty upon graduation, and at least 10 years if they attend pilot training.

KP predicts the Pilots by 5.  If V and Ali can pound the ball inside, it could be greater than that.

Turnovers, droughts, woof.

No postgame radio.

After being on the rise and reaching #145 after defeating UC Riverside, the Pilots are now #215 in the KP rankings after being trounced by Air Force.

I didn't especially enjoy watching yesterday's game, but I sure liked watching that USAFA team.  With all their hustle and in-your-face defense, they reminded me of overachieving walk-ons in four-star bodies with five-star conditioning.

I had a chance to talk with the coaching staff and a few of the players before the game and was very impressed with their demeanor and their readiness to do battle.... and if they are expected to come in last in the MWC, it must be one helluva conference.