DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Defense carried the day for the UW-River Falls men's basketball team Saturday afternoon as the Falcons closed the Daytona Beach Shootout with a 55-49 win over Grove City College, finishing the weekend 2-0.
Early energy on both ends of the court sent the Falcons into the locker room with a 29-26 lead over the Wolverines. UWRF opened the second half with a strong stretch on both ends, pushing the advantage to double digits midway through the period before Grove City made a late push.
Despite the rally, the Falcons never gave up its lead, closing out the game at the free-throw line and with defensive rebounds in the final minute.
FALCON SCORERS
Jack Leifker led all Falcon scorers with 17 points, knocking down 9-of-10 from the free-throw line and added four rebounds.
- Micah Thompson anchored the paint with nine points, nine rebounds and two steals, playing a key role in limiting second-chance opportunities for Grove City.
- Drew Tengblad provided a spark off the bench, going a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range to finish with nine points.
- Gavin Ralph chipped in six points and two assists, and Reid Tengblad contributed four points and four boards off the bench.
UWRF held Grove City to 34.0 percent shooting overall and only 20.0 percent from beyond the arc (3-of-15). The Falcons matched Grove City on the glass with 37 rebounds and turned 11 takeaways into 13 points off turnovers.
With wins over Maritime and Grove City, the Falcons leave Daytona Beach 2-0, gaining valued experience away from home. UWRF will return to the north carrying momentum and begin WIAC play upon returning, with the Falcons matching up against UW-La Crosse Saturday, Jan. 3 in La Crosse.
