Falcons Soar into First Place

As game time approached on Saturday afternoon and more and more fans began to file into The Lemerand Center to see the Daytona State Falcons host the defending National Champions, College of Central Florida Patriots, the intensity and importance of the game became more and more apparent to the Falcons. This game was more than just a matchup of two talented teams filled with Division I prospect players; it was a showdown for first place in the Mid-Florida Conference standings and a game that would make a big statement both regionally and nationally.

From the opening jump, both teams were ready for a battle and played with ferocity, physicality, and a supreme effort that had fans on the edge of their seats waiting to see what would happen next. The first half saw the game go back and forth with the lead changing hands several times. The Falcons would take the lead at the break, 44-41.

In what is now becoming a bit of a theme for the Falcons, this game would escalate to whole new level in the second half. Behind a stifling defensive effort, which forced the Patriots into difficult shots and unforced turnovers, the Falcons began to assert their will and took over the game with a furious rally, leading to a 32 point advantage for the Falcons.

Daytona State's offensive attack contributed to six Falcon players scoring double figures. The Falcon's offense was led by guard, Dylan Poston, and his sharp shooting from 3-point range. Poston landed 6 out of his 8 attempts from the arc, contributing to his 23 total points on the night. Other Falcons in double figures included Tanksley Efianayi (16 points), Will Ransom and Rashaun Stimage (15 points each), and Ayinde Sprewell (11points). The Falcons as a team shot an impressive 59% from the field, 11-20 from 3-point range, and 20-25 from the foul line, while holding the Patriots to only 43% from the field.

The Falcons moved their record to 14-0 at home and 21-4 overall. With each game the Falcons seem to be playing with more confidence and mounting team interconnectedness, as they near the conference tournament. The Falcons next take the court this Wednesday, February 12th. They will look to extend their home winning streak to 15, as they host conference rival, Florida State College of Jacksonville at 8 pm at the Lemerand Center.