Falcons Defeat Haskell But Drop One to #15 Southwestern

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The 21st-ranked short-handed Florida College Falcons traveled to Kansas and defeated conference opponent Haskell Indian Nations University 88-77 on Thursday night.

The Falcons were down two starters, Calvin Finch Jr. and Phat Cleveland. The game was close in the first half, with FC leading by just 2 at halftime. Haskell would commit the first seven fouls of the game, enforcing their will and physicality right away. The Falcons would eventually take a 19-point second-half lead and cruise to victory.

Jashavius Perdue led the Falcons in scoring with 17 points. Anthony Bittar added 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Bryan Chong put up 13 points. Matt Simpson and EJ Wynn each contributed 12 points.

On Friday afternoon, the Falcons dropped a top-25 contest to #15 Southwestern College (Kan.). The Falcons got help back with Phat Cleveland returning to the lineup, but Finch remained out. The Falcons led by six early on, but Southwestern made a run, led by sharp-shooter Cevin Clark. Clark hit six three's, all challenging shots, on his way to a game-high 30 points. Clark also drew 2 charges in the first half, one on Matt Simpson. Simpson also received a very questionable charge on a drive on SC's Trey Abasolo. Simpson would sit the rest of the first half, and the Falcons would trail by three, 35-38 at intermission.

The whistle was not friendly to the Falcons on the afternoon. However, the Moundbuilders did a good job of making the Falcons take tough shots, and the Falcons shot a putrid 4-of-22 from three-point range. The final score was 90-78. The #21 Falcons moved to 5-1 and the #15 Southwestern College Moundbuilders moved to 5-0.

"We picked a really bad day to play so poorly offensively," stated head coach Chase Teichmann. "You have to give Southwestern credit. They are a really good team. They are extremely well-coached, fundamental, and disciplined. This was a national tournament type of game. We played lazy and selfish offensive basketball. We know that will get you beat. Playing a long way from home in a tough environment with circumstances against you will test your team's poise and identity. We failed that test today, but I'm confident it will make us better."