New-Look Air Force Beats USIU

United States International University may have a new look playing in Golden Hall this season, but the Air Force Academy also showed a different look Monday night.

The Falcons, long known as one of the slowest teams in the west, beat USIU in a fast-paced game, 99-89, in front of 209.

It was Air Force’s most productive game since scoring 104 points against Western State of Gunnison, Colo., 13 seasons ago. The Falcons’ all-time record is 115 points against Arizona in the 1958-59 season.

“I think we have a little quicker kids than we have had,” Air Force Coach Reggie Minton said. “We’re trying to up the tempo. I think we’re a better team when our tempo is up.”

USIU (0-3), under second-year Coach Gary Zarecky, has gained a reputation for playing fast-paced basketball. Zarecky even said before the game that the key to his team winning would be to run.

Little did he know that Air Force (5-1) has changed its style so much.

The Falcons shot 67.3% from the field (35 of 52), including 1 of 3 from three-point range. USIU shot 45.8% (33 of 72), including 3 of 14 from three-point range.

“At times, you sit there and are amazed at your opponents’ play when they do something out of character,” Zarecky said. “It wasn’t their running game that got me as much as where they were taking shots from. We packed in our defense because they had a physical team, then they kept hitting 20-foot shots. That’s the shot you want Air Force to take.”

Actually, the Falcons weren’t shooting from 20 feet because of the three-point rule. But Air Force consistently hit 15-foot shots under heavy pressure.

Joe Yezbak scored 33 points for USIU and Russ Heicke scored 22. Mike Hammond scored 26 and Ray Dudley scored 21 for the Falcons. Air Force’s Rob Marr had a game-high 12 rebounds in leading his team to a 39-29 rebounding edge.

USIU led early in the second half, 49-43, before Air Force tied the score, 57-57, with 12 1/2 minutes remaining. Dudley’s three-point shot put the Falcons ahead, 81-76, with 3:17 remaining.