Falcons Hang On To Defeat Webber International

BABSON PARK, Fla. - The Florida College Falcons took the floor on Thursday night for the first time in nine days, defeating Webber International University 75-73.

The Falcons trailed early, 25-16 with 11:02 remaining in the first half. A 22-9 run to close the half put the Falcons up 4 at intermission.

In the second half, FC took a 12-point lead with 13 minutes left. Webber then made a run of their own. The Falcons couldn't score, putting up only 4 points over the next 8 minutes. Webber had a 6-point lead with 1:41 remaining when Phat Cleveland drilled a corner triple to cut it back to a one-possession game. The Falcons answered back with an Anthony Bittar three-ball to tie it up with 59 seconds remaining! The Warriors would miss again on the ensuing possession. FC was fouled with 19 seconds left. Chinedu Okonkwo went to the line and calmly drilled two free throws to take the lead. It capped off an 8-0 run in 90 seconds for the road team. It was the first lead for FC since the 6:17 mark of the second half.

Webber would get a great look, but senior Jaylon Myles missed the three-pointer at the top of the key that would have taken the lead. Webber was forced to foul Simpson. Simpson the 81% foul shooter, went to the line for the double-bonus with 4 seconds remaining. He would surprisingly miss both. Webber grabbed the rebound and turned it over with 1.2 seconds remaining. The Falcons would inbound the ball and the game was over.

The Falcons were led in scoring by Matt Simpson, who tallied 25 points and 7 rebounds, 4 of which were offensive. Chinedu Okonkwo added 14 points and 9 rebounds. Phat Cleveland poured in 13 points and 6 assists. Anthony Bittar put up 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists to round out the double-figure scorers.

"What a wild game," stated Head Coach Chase Teichmann. "We're happy to come out on top, but we really struggled to execute in the second half. Guys hit some big shots late that won us the game. Taking care of the ball was the best thing we did tonight. Webber is an extremely tough and well-coached team. It's not an easy place to play, so that's a really nice win for us."

The (RV) Falcons move to 11-1 on the season, including 4-0 on the road. Next, they'll take on the Brewton-Parker College Barons on Saturday at 4 PM, at neutral site Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.