Air Force basketball notes: Falcons play at a faster pace

In interim coach Dave Pilipovich’s first game, Air Force’s offense moved at a faster pace.

That wasn’t always for the best. Air Force took many quick, and sometimes ill-advised, shots. 

“When you play faster, you have to play smarter,” guard Michael Lyons said. “We all didn’t do that. Once we get that down, I think that’ll help out.”

Lyons played well at the faster pace, scoring 24 points. All of the Falcons will have to adjust to playing a little more up-tempo style.

“I’m fine with that, but it’s going to take time for everybody to get used to it,” Lyons said. “We’ve got to condition more, because we were tired. If we condition more, we should be fine.”

Lineup changes

There were changes in the rotation under Pilipovich. Colt Barnhill, who played 4 minutes in Air Force’s first seven conference games, played 8 minutes. Kyle Green had also played 4 minutes in conference play before getting 13 against Boise State. Justin Hammonds played just 9 minutes, his fewest in conference play. Chris Carter didn’t play for the first time this season.

“We’re just looking at our personnel and putting some different combinations on the floor that complement each other a little better,” Pilipovich said.

All-Americans honored

Bob Beckel and the late Cliff Parsons, Air Force’s two All-American basketball players, were honored with a banner ceremony at halftime. Beckel was an All-American in 1959 and Parsons was honored in 1968. Both were honored by the Helms Foundation.

Parsons was represented by his widow, Beatrice, during the ceremony, which coincided with the basketball alumni reunion. The banners include the No. 34 that both players wore, but the number has not been retired.