Falcons Shutdown Gyrenes

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. - The Florida College Falcons were back in action Friday night, donning their new black uniforms they defeated the Gyrenes of Ave Maria University, 93-73.

This game was FC's first win over Ave in three tries since joining the NAIA. Two years ago, Ave won it at the buzzer after FC blew a 16-point lead in the last six minutes of action. This game would not prove to be as close.

The Falcons (2-1) hopped out to a 24-15 lead in the middle of the first half on a three-ball by senior forward DJ Doakes. They would build on that lead and take a 20-point lead into halftime, 48-28 after a Ladarron Cleveland layup as the seconds ticked towards the buzzer. FC held Ave to 37.5% shooting and forced nine turnovers in the first half. The Falcons had 18 assists as a team at intermission.

The second half saw the lead balloon to as much as 26 on multiple occasions, but the Gyrenes kept scoring and trading baskets enough to close the gap to twenty points by the game's end.

Bryan Chong led the Falcons in scoring with 17 points on 5-of-7 from three. Matt Simpson added 16 points and 7 assists with 0 turnovers. Ladarron Cleveland finished with 14 points and 9 assists with 0 turnovers. Ethan Smith added 14 points and 6 rebounds. Jalon Perry rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points. Freshman forward Ryan Wilcox played a huge role in the game. He chipped in 9 points on 4-of-5 shooting, grabbed 3 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots in just 12 minutes while battling foul trouble most of the game.

The Falcons held a strong perimeter shooting Gyrenes team to just 6-of-34 from long range. FC meanwhile shot 15-for-29 from distance. The Falcons only shot five free-throws on the night. The 29 assists and 10 turnovers were season bests for the Falcons.

"Good win tonight over a very skilled team," stated head coach Chase Teichmann. "We shot the ball well tonight and they didn't. Sometimes it goes that way. I was proud of the way we defended, especially in the first half. We shared the ball extremely well and took care of it as well for most of the night. We appreciate everyone that showed up tonight to support us."

The Falcons are right back at it tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 PM, hosting Brewton-Parker in a non-conference game. Come show support! Follow @FC_Hoops_ on twitter and @FloridaCollegeMBB on Instagram for all the latest news and updates with FC men's basketball.