The Air Force women's basketball team defeated Adams State, 65-59, in its home-opener Tuesday night at Clune Arena. Junior guard Raimee Beck led the way for the Falcons recording a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Falcons improved to 1-2 on the season while Adams State dropped its season-opener.
In a tight game throughout, Air Force was able to fend off a scrappy Adams State team by getting to the free throw line late in the game. With under four minutes left in the game, and clinging to a four-point lead, the Falcons made 9-of-10 free throws to stay ahead. For the game, Air Force got to the line 31 times, making 23.
Sophomore Anna Gault and Beck were both perfect on four free throw attempts each in the last four minutes of the game. Gault finished with seven points, four assists and a game-high five steals while playing all 40 minutes. Beck also led the Falcons with six assists in 37 minutes.
Adams State was led by Kendra Coveal and Vera Jo Bustos. Coveal led the Grizzlies with 17 points and added six rebounds. Jo Bustos scored 12 points and had five rebounds and four assists. Kelsie Kruger added nine points and nine rebounds.
Air Force also got solid games from senior forward Kathleen Schjodt and freshmen forwards Katie Hilbig and Dymond James. Schjodt scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds. Hilbig provided instant offense off the bench, finishing with 12 points in 17 minutes. James added nine points and five rebounds in 18 minutes.
Junior forward Candice Chase also gave the Falcons a spark from downtown, hitting a pair of three-point baskets to finish with six points.
After a sluggish start, Air Force went into halftime leading 33-25. The Falcons trailed to start the game and notched its first lead of the game at the 13:12 mark. Air Force trailed just one more time after and led throughout after the 9:32 mark.
The Falcons had its best shooting night so far on the season, shooting 45.2 percent from the field. Adams State shot 36.4 percent from the field.
Air Force returns to action Friday afternoon, Nov. 20, hosting Portland. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m.