Falcons Dismantle Middle Georgia in Season Opener

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. - The #21 Florida College Falcons tipped off the 2022-23 season on Thursday night in Conn Gymnasium, defeating the Middle Georgia State University Knights 98-65.

The crowd was absolutely electric for the first game of the season! That is nothing new for Falcon nation and the "Red Sea". With one of the best home-court advantages in the NAIA, the Falcons went 14-0 at home last season. In fact, the last team to beat FC on their home court was Middle Georgia State, on February 6, 2021, two seasons ago!

The Falcons certainly returned the favor tonight. Leading by ten, 35-25 with 4 minutes and change to go, the Falcons went on a 15-2 run over the next two-and-a-half minutes to take a 50-27 lead. FC would lead by 19 at the break.

The Falcons would soon stretch their lead back into the twenties, and even thirties and never look back. It was a wire-to-wire win.

All eleven dressed players logged double-digit minutes in the game. Every player scored.

The Falcons were led in scoring by Matt Simpson. Simpson started off his super senior season with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Anthony Bittar had an outstanding game, notching a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists. He shot 7-of-8 from the field and also grabbed 7 rebounds. Phat Cleveland tallied 12 points, 3 boards, and 3 dimes while battling second-half foul trouble. Newcomer Calvin "Earl" Finch Jr. chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks on a stellar 6-of-6 from the field, including 3 earth-shaking dunks!

Ethan Smith poured in 9 points and dished out five assists in his first game back as a Falcon. Bryan Chong led the bench in scoring with 9 of the total 31 bench points.

The Falcons move to 1-0 on the young season. They'll host Fisher College Friday night at 7:30 PM (ET) in Conn Gymnasium. This will be the first conference game of the year for both teams. Be sure to show up and support the home team!